Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Praises Key Teammate Amid NBA Finals
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Praises Key Teammate Amid NBA Finals originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to put the finishing touches on their best season in the history of the franchise when they take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 in Indianapolis on Thursday night. On the line is the chance to clinch their first NBA Title in the history of their young franchise.
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While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up his usual 31 points en route to their Game 5 win, it was Jalen Williams who led the team with 40 points on 14-for-25 shooting. We've now seen Williams get better in each of the last three games and he is averaging 31 points per game over that stretch.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praises key teammate amid NBA Finals
Following the game in which the Thunder took a 3-2 series lead, Gilgeous-Alexander commended a number of his teammates. One player in particular was key role player Alex Caruso, citing his previous experience in these big moments.
"He's the only one on the team with a ring. He knows what it takes," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "When he speaks, everyone listens. What he brings to the game, you have no choice but to listen."
Caruso was a key part of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 run against the Miami Heat. While not leaned upon as one of their key scorers, the energy and tenacity on defense he brings is key in big moments. In Game 5, Caruso scored just two points, but his block and four steals were much felt.
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The series now heads back to Indianapolis, where Pacers fans could only watch as Caruso wreaked havoc on both ends of the floor. He scored 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting, but perhaps most impressive were his five steals.
While the high-scoring nights are always welcome, the Thunder have the utmost confidence in him and keep him on the floor for everything else he brings outside of his scoring. As the oldest member of the team, the 31-year-old Caruso will look to help secure his second NBA Championship on Thursday night.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
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