During a practice interview on Sunday, May 17, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso outlined the team’s approach ahead of Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, focusing on preparation, consistency, and execution after a long break.
“Yeah, I mean, one, just staying, you know, mentally and physically prepared, you know, when you have that long of a break. There’s always just, you know, a professionalism to take into it to stay locked in to the goal and, you know, kind of the focus you need this time of year.”
Caruso emphasized that the pause between rounds has not changed the team’s internal standards or approach to daily work. He pointed to discipline and structure as key factors during extended playoff gaps.
“And then just preparing for a really good team. You know, I think, I don’t think anybody else won 60 games this year, right? It was just us and them. So, you know, based on records, it was the two best regular seasons this year.”
He added that the matchup reflects two of the most consistent teams over the regular season, setting the tone for a high-level series. The Thunder and Spurs both enter the Western Conference Finals after dominant playoff runs.
“So, we know they’re a good team. You know, we have a lot of respect for them. You know, from what they’ve been able to accomplish, just preparing for a war. You know, they’re a good team. We’re a good team.”
Caruso also addressed the team’s “hunter mindset,” a theme that has defined Oklahoma City’s season-long identity through both regular-season consistency and playoff execution.
“I think that’s just kind of a you know kind of a pillar for the success we’ve been able to have is everybody on the team is kind of has that same mentality individually and then collectively.”
When discussing the nature of the matchup, Caruso downplayed external narratives about rivalry status, keeping the focus strictly on basketball execution against San Antonio.
“I mean, I don’t think so. I don’t know how many times these teams have played in the postseason or anything. For this to just start, you can call it what you want. Y’all are the media and y’all get to label it.”
He instead highlighted the Spurs’ discipline and structural strength, noting their ability to execute under pressure.
“A team that’s not going to beat itself… Yeah, I mean, you we spoke on it. They won 62 games for a reason.”
Caruso continued by pointing to the Spurs’ coaching, depth, and execution, stressing that sustained success requires more than talent alone.
“You know, they didn’t just roll the ball out and get lucky and win 60 games in the NBA. That’s a feat to be accomplished. And you don’t do that with just physical talent. You know, there’s some smarts that go into it. There’s some IQ.”
He also outlined the defensive priorities for Oklahoma City heading into the series, emphasizing transition control and limiting second-chance opportunities.
“Just being really sharp with the stuff that I think we’ve been good at in the past.”
“The biggest thing is protect the paint, get back in transition, limit second shots, you know, they’re a team much like us.”
Caruso also addressed individual matchups, referencing the challenge of containing Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio’s interior threats.
“He’s a talented guy. You know, obviously his physical stature is one of the key weapons that makes him, you know, really hard to guard.”
As Game 1 approaches, Oklahoma City enters the series having maintained one of the league’s strongest postseason profiles, while San Antonio brings one of the most efficient offenses of the playoffs.
