Bonkers Alex Caruso stats prove Thunder must play him as much as humanly possible in Game 7 vs. Spurs

Before the Western Conference Finals even began, many tagged Alex Caruso as the X-factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the San Antonio Spurs.

The prognostication has been accurate. While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the go-to guy, Caruso has served as a yardstick for the Thunder. Simply put, they win when he plays well.

In their three victories in the best-of-seven series, he has averaged 18.0 points on 61.6% shooting from long range, 2.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals.

Oklahoma City failed to eliminate San Antonio in Game 6 on Thursday, losing by 27 points. The defending champions never led in the contest. Caruso only had seven points and one steal in 21 minutes.

Based on NBA.com, against the Spurs, Caruso has a team-high 11.0 net rating when he is on the court and a team-low -20.0 net rating when he is on the bench. Those are game-changing numbers the Thunder might want to consider heavily ahead of Game 7.

Even if he does not start, the 32-year-old veteran, who is averaging 24.0 minutes versus San Antonio, should get major playing time. But is coach Mark Daigneault willing to stick with Caruso or roll the dice on Jalen Williams?

Williams returned from his hamstring injury in Game 6, but was practically non-existent with one point, one assist, and two turnovers in 10 minutes off the bench.

The 25-year-old Williams has struggled throughout the playoffs, although it could be argued that he is due for a big game. He is a better scorer than Caruso and is not too shabby as an on-ball defender.

It is, however, hard to replicate all the things that Caruso does. He just makes the Thunder so much better when he is on the floor. After all, he is a two-time champion.

It will be interesting to see how Daigneault will utilize Caruso in Game 7 on Saturday.

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