The fundamental decision that Oklahoma City Thunder will have to make in the NBA Playoffs
Alex Caruso is shining coming off the bench and many are already wondering if he should start in the Conference Semifinals
Four more teams have joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in advancing to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. However, the series between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers has extended to a sixth game, which will be played tonight. The winner will face the Thunder; currently, the Nuggets lead 3-2. The Thunder performed excellently in their first-round game against the Memphis Grizzlies, but Oklahoma still has room for improvement. One of the bright spots in that series was Alex Caruso, raising the question of whether he should be a starter for the Thunder in the second round.
During this season, Caruso has averaged 7.1 points on field goals (44.6%) and three-pointers (35.3%). Additionally, he achieved 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. While his offense remained relatively consistent in the playoffs, his defense drastically improved. Caruso's numbers rose to 4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.1 steals per game.
Against the Grizzlies, the Thunder deployed their double big man lineup with Isaiah Hartenstein as the starter. They did this to match up with Memphis's size; however, while this lineup found success, it has its limitations. It caused OKC to start games a bit slower than they would have preferred. Ultimately, if Caruso starts, it would enable the Thunder to play with five on offense, providing more space for players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to drive to the basket.
Furthermore, although Caruso may not pass as well as Hartenstein, he remains a valuable connecting piece. Moreover, significant improvements come on defense, as the Thunder can change the game with Caruso in the starting five instead of Hartenstein. Additionally, the team would have two elite perimeter defenders on the court, Caruso and Luguentz Dort. This lineup can set the tone for a game early on and help the Thunder get ahead.
One drawback of starting Caruso is rebounding, as it sacrifices size in the frontcourt. Last year, the Thunder struggled as a poor rebounding team, costing them in the playoffs. This season, they have improved in that regard thanks to Hartenstein. Removing the big man from the starting five would expose one of their weaknesses, something they can only do against a team lacking size.
The Importance of Caruso in OKC
Furthermore, OKC's closing lineup featured Caruso in it; if he starts, he may not be able to finish games. He exerts tons of energy when playing, especially on defense. Therefore, he cannot play extended minutes. The Thunder would prefer to have a fresher Caruso in crucial moments than a slightly fatigued one trying to close out a game or a series. Ultimately, he is one of those players you want coming off the bench to provide energy and spark to the second unit.
While it would be great for Caruso to start for the Thunder, it is unlikely to happen. Oklahoma City's starters will depend on who they face. If they meet the Nuggets, Hartenstein should be the starter. However, if the Clippers manage to come back and win the series, the Thunder will probably have a different starting lineup.
The Thunder aim to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016. Based on Caruso's excellent performance in the first round, there is a legitimate argument for him to start in the second round. However, there are more benefits to having him come off the bench. It is unlikely that Caruso will start for the Thunder in these playoffs unless due to an injury, but he will always be the closer. For now, the Thunder await their second-round opponent and will strive to achieve their goal of winning the NBA Finals.
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