DENVER — The morning after losing Game 3 to the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso shared his honest take on his team's shortcomings, facing a 2-1 deficit for the first time in the postseason. After Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault addressed challenges heading into Game 4, Caruso, with a night to think things over, is confident these are the hurdles necessary for Oklahoma City to become a champion.

Given the Nuggets' championship pedigree, Caruso revealed why he was excited to face the 2023 NBA champions in the Western Conference semifinals, and what it'll take for the Thunder to even the series 2-2 in Game 4.

“I think it just comes down to us having the championship-level focus,” Caruso said. “I was excited to play Denver because I knew they were going to bring greatness out of. This is no disrespect to Memphis, but we were going to win that series, especially once Ja [Morant] went out. Just based off of talent level. But Denver is a smart team, experienced team. I know that this is the challenge that's going to push us to be great, and I think we're seeing that.

“I'm a firm believer that we're going to get over that hump, and find ways to win those. And we got another one tomorrow to try to do it,” Caruso concluded.

Caruso finished with seven points, two assists, two rebounds, and one steal in Game 3's 113-104 loss.

Why Alex Caruso is confident in Thunder ahead of Game 4

Article Continues Below
More Thunder News
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns major endorsement from ex-teammateAlex House ·
Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35), center Kendrick Perkins (5) and guard Reggie Jackson (15) talk against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center
Kendrick Perkins dishes on why 2025 Thunder is best in franchise historyJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with Magic Johnson West Conference Finals MVP trophy after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nick Wright’s ‘all-time’ take will catch Thunder’s fans’ attentionMalik Brown ·
Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) hugs Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) after a game at the Chase Center
Warriors’ Draymond Green relives Klay Thompson’s epic Game 6 vs. ThunderJosue Pavon ·
St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino speaks to the media during a press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
St. John’s basketball coach Rick Pitino stuns fans with 40-year Thunder defense takeJaren Kawada ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) walks down the court during a time out during the first half at Paycom Center.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ‘foul merchant allegations’ draw Paul George reactionRichard Pereira ·
Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) celebrates his three point score with forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

All-Star Jalen Williams knows the margin of error is thin against the Nuggets. He mentioned it after losing Game 3. However, for Thunder veteran Alex Caruso, losing on the wrong end of an 11-2 Nuggets run in overtime didn't hurt as much as blowing a 14-point lead in the series opener.

Still, Caruso said the reasons the Thunder are trailing 2-1 in their series are self-inflicted, and he's confident his team will bounce back in Game 4.

“Personally, [Game] 1 hurt a lot more than [Game] 3. But you have to keep moving on and get to the next one,” Caruso said. “Fine margins. We talked about that. Fine margins. I can't remember the play before they hit the transition three, but, it was clustered in the paint. They got a rebound. We don't match in transition. They get a corner three. One of the keys for them is keeping them out of transition. We know that. There's nothing magical. There's no special formula for what to do. We know the answers to the test. It's just about going out there and putting them on the paper.”

The Nuggets will host the Thunder in a Game 4 matinee on Sunday.