Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso played a significant role in defending Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic. In the Thunder’s tightly-contested series against the Nuggets, Oklahoma City heightened its focus on both ends of the floor. After battling a Game 7 against Jokic and the Nuggets, Caruso needed extended time to recover.

Caruso admitted that defending Jokic in the second round tired him out ahead of facing the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, per Barstool’s Pardon My Take Podcast.

“I was exhausted after Game 7. I’m not gonna lie to you. That was the most physically tired I’ve been all playoffs,” Caruso said. “Going into Game 1 against Minnesota, there wasn’t a full recovery between playing Jokic for 25-30 minutes, and playing Game 1 against Minnesota. Luckily, our team’s really good. So, me at like 85-90 percent is still passable. But yeah, dude, I was exhausted.”

Against Jokic and the Nuggets, Caruso wouldn’t let fatigue prevent the Thunder from advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

“In Game 7, at that point, we had played every other day, and then we had two days to rest and recover from Game 7,” Caruso added. “So, the whole game I’m like, ‘I will die on this court if I have to.’ Fatigue isn’t going to be a reason that we don’t win the game. But there were a couple of possessions where I’m like laying on him, and luckily, we have great team defense.

“There’ll be a couple where I’m fronting him, running underneath, like, the dude, I don’t know what his official weight is, but he’s like an offensive tackle strong. He’s immovable,” Caruso concluded.

Article Continues Below
More Thunder News
Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (bottom) react after a play against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center
Why Thunder enter Game 2 confident in its ‘response’ vs. PacersJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
3 adjustments Thunder must make after NBA Finals Game 1 catastrophe vs. PacersRandall Barnes ·
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reaches for the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Pacers-Thunder Game 1 hits record low in views for FinalsZachary Draves ·
Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center
Thunder’s Jalen Williams reveals biggest issue in 4th quarter meltdown vs PacersJosue Pavon ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) makes the game winning shot over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the fourth quarter during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
You won’t believe the last time the Thunder lost to East team at homeNathan Yasis ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and guard Luguentz Dort (5) look on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Richard Jefferson claims Thunder were ‘lost and fatigued’ late in Game 1Julian Ojeda ·

The Thunder would go on to beat the Timberwolves 4-2 before advancing to the NBA Finals.

Alex Caruso’s ‘relentless’ truth on Nikola Jokic after Thunder win

Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) celebrates after Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort scores a three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

After winning Game 7, Thunder veteran Alex Caruso talked about defending Nikola Jokic. With a trip to the conference finals on the line, Caruso said he left it all out on the floor.

“He’s a different matchup because he does so many different things to get others involved and influence the game. So, for me, it’s just about competing,” Caruso said. “There’s nothing to save it for. It’s Game 7, right? So, you’re either going to the next round or your summer’s starting. So, for me, it was just about being relentless with my energy.”

Caruso and the Thunder will have plenty of time to rest up for the Pacers in the NBA Finals.