After going undefeated in back-to-back weeks (3-0), the Oklahoma City Thunder have broken the franchise record for the most regular season wins in a single season. The Thunder are 62-12 through twenty-three weeks of action.
Here’s my Week 23 — Thunder Player of the Week:
Thunder Player of the Week
Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso has been playing his best basketball of the season over these last few weeks. Caruso played a big part in the Thunder going undefeated in back-to-back weeks during Week 22 and Week 23. Caruso averaged 9 points, 4.3 rebounds, three assists, and one block while being a +45 on 55/40/100 shooting splits.
Caruso’s numbers may not stand out; however, his impact and production have been crucial, as his play highlights his importance to this Thunder team.
Defense doesn’t get the attention that offense does; however, winning players and students of basketball understand the importance of defense as defense wins championships. Here’s a clip of Caruso making the play of the game—stopping Kawhi Leonard on one of the final possessions of the game.
THE THUNDER LOCK IN DEFENSIVELY AND SECURE THE WIN OVER THE CLIPPERS 🔒🔒
IT’S OKC’S 6TH STRAIGHT VICTORY!! pic.twitter.com/JApIxsdFbK
— NBA (@NBA) March 24, 2025
The Value of Alex Caruso
When the Thunder acquired Caruso during the offseason in a swap trade with the Chicago Bulls, many believed he was a perfect fit. That has been the case, as he is an ideal complementary piece for this team with his championship pedigree, impact on winning, enhancement of the play of their ‘Big 3’, and help elevate the Thunder’s defense into an All-time defense so far this season.
Since January 1st, Caruso has been much more efficient on the offensive end, as he’s shooting 49.7% from the floor and 41.8% from beyond the arc.
After having his best fourth-quarter performances of the season in back-to-back games to begin the week, Caruso is finding his offensive groove at the perfect time while being an absolute defensive menace out on the perimeter.
Caruso is holding opponents to a 38.4% field goal percentage and bolstering a 101.9 DRTG this season. He has been the perfect veteran presence for this young Thunder team, as he already commands the respect of his teammates by showing his championship pedigree in his game impact.
Mark Daigneault On Alex Caruso
Mark Daigneault on the immense value of Alex Caruso, which opposing head coaches note before most games:
“We talk all the time about invisible stuff, and we try to make it visible inside of our walls, so that the players know that that stuff’s appreciated.” “The more you watch him on a possession, the more you realize that he’s just impacting everything and elevating everybody.”
Takeaways:
During the week, the Thunder broke their franchise record for the most regular wins in a single season. Oklahoma City has won nine straight games and is 18-2 since the All-Star break. The Thunder are on the verge of making more history, as they are 27-1 against the Eastern Conference.
Wins: @ Sacramento Kings (121 to 105), vs Memphis Grizzlies (125 to 104), vs Indiana Pacers (132 to 111).
End Of The Week Updates
With 8 games left, the Thunder have broken their franchise record for most regular-season wins.
Ousmane Dieng has missed the last seven games with a calf strain and has no return timeline. Aaron Wiggins missed the entire week with Achilles soreness and has no return timeline, and the Thunder are managing the status of multiple players who are dealing with hip injuries.
With the Thunder clinching the No.1 seed in the Western Conference and having a two-and-a-half-game leadlead on the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’ll look to manage their players for the remainder of the regular season.
Main Image: © Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
