Just Two Days After Championship Parade, Thunder Veteran Alex Caruso Reveals He Played Game 7 Against Pacers Injured

Just two days after the confetti settled and the city of Oklahoma City basked in the glow of its first NBA championship in over a decade, Thunder veteran Alex Caruso made a revelation that underscores the heart, grit, and sacrifice behind the team’s historic title run.

In an interview with reporters during the Thunder’s championship media availability session, Caruso confirmed that he played through injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. While he didn’t disclose the specifics of the injury during the post-game celebrations, Caruso admitted that he suffered a significant ankle sprain early in the decisive contest but refused to let it sideline him during the biggest game of his career.

“I rolled it bad in the first quarter,” Caruso shared with a smile, his voice still raspy from the nights of celebration. “I knew something was wrong right away. But there was no way I was coming out of that game. Not after everything we’ve been through this year.”

Caruso’s revelation adds another layer to what was already a dramatic and hard-fought seven-game series between the Thunder and the Pacers. Oklahoma City, known for its youthful core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, leaned heavily on the veteran presence of Caruso throughout the playoffs. His defensive tenacity, playmaking instincts, and locker room leadership were invaluable assets, particularly in high-pressure moments.

Throughout the Finals, Caruso had drawn the assignment of guarding Indiana’s dynamic backcourt duo of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Despite being noticeably hobbled during stretches of Game 7, Caruso’s defensive presence never wavered.

“Looking back at the film, you can kind of see me favoring it,” Caruso admitted. “But adrenaline takes over. When you’re out there playing for a championship, you forget the pain. You just compete.”

Sources within the Thunder organization revealed that Caruso initially tweaked the ankle during a scramble for a loose ball midway through the first quarter. The injury was enough to have him briefly examined by team medical staff on the bench, but he declined to exit the game. He ultimately logged over 34 minutes, finishing with 7 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and countless intangible contributions on the defensive end that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

It’s not the first time Caruso’s toughness has been on display. Over the course of his nine-year NBA career, the 30-year-old guard has developed a reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, often sacrificing his body in the name of team success. His relentless effort, willingness to do the dirty work, and championship pedigree were among the reasons Oklahoma City’s front office acquired him in the 2024 offseason as part of their push to build a title-contending roster.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised Caruso’s resilience and commitment, noting that his presence during Game 7 epitomized the selflessness that defined the Thunder’s championship run.

“AC is the ultimate competitor,” Daigneault said. “We knew he wasn’t 100%, but he wasn’t going to sit this one out. His leadership, even on one good ankle, made all the difference. His defense, his poise, his communication — that’s what championship teams need.”

Teammates echoed similar sentiments. Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who captured Finals MVP honors after his masterful 31-point performance in Game 7, credited Caruso’s grit as a key factor in the team’s success.

“AC’s one of the toughest dudes I’ve ever played with,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You wouldn’t even know he was hurt with the way he was locking guys down. That’s the kind of sacrifice it takes to win at this level.”

Caruso’s injury revelation also casts his performance in a new light, especially considering the defensive assignment he drew against one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Despite the physical limitations, Caruso played a pivotal role in holding the Pacers to just 96 points in Game 7 — their lowest scoring output of the series.

The victory sealed Oklahoma City’s first NBA title since 2012 and validated the franchise’s bold vision of blending young, elite talent with battle-tested veterans like Caruso. His contribution throughout the postseason — and particularly in the final, deciding game — underscores the value of experience, toughness, and the sacrifices that often go unnoticed behind championship banners.

When asked if the injury would require offseason treatment, Caruso shrugged off any concerns, emphasizing that his focus remains on celebrating the title with his teammates and the city of Oklahoma City.

“I’ll get it looked at, maybe some rehab, but nothing’s keeping me from enjoying this,” Caruso said with a grin. “You play your whole life for this moment. You give everything you’ve got — even if your body’s telling you otherwise.”

Caruso’s story has quickly resonated with Thunder fans, many of whom have flooded social media with messages of appreciation and admiration for his warrior mentality. Already a fan favorite for his gritty playing style and championship pedigree from his days with the Lakers and Bulls, Caruso’s legend in Oklahoma City has only grown in the wake of this revelation.

The Thunder’s championship parade earlier this week saw thousands line the streets of downtown OKC, celebrating a team that captivated the league with its rise from promising young squad to NBA champions. Amid the celebrations, Caruso was seen walking with a slight limp, though his spirits — and his sense of humor — remained high.

“They say defense wins championships,” Caruso joked during the parade. “Sometimes defense — and a lot of ankle tape — gets the job done.”

As the offseason begins and the Thunder look ahead to defending their title, Caruso’s status will undoubtedly be monitored. But if there’s one thing clear from his Game 7 performance, it’s that the veteran guard’s toughness and commitment to winning are unquestionable.

For now, Caruso is embracing the moment, injury and all, as Oklahoma City basks in its hard-earned championship glory. The Thunder’s improbable run to the title was fueled by youth, talent, and perhaps most importantly, the quiet sacrifices of players like Alex Caruso — the kind of sacrifices that define champions.