logo
Nikola Vucevic on the defensive greatness of Alex Caruso: "It is a luxury to have that type of player"

Nikola Vucevic on the defensive greatness of Alex Caruso: "It is a luxury to have that type of player"

Yahoo4 days ago

Nikola Vucevic on the defensive greatness of Alex Caruso: "It is a luxury to have that type of player" originally appeared on Basketball Network.
When discussing the best and most hard-nosed perimeter defenders in today's NBA, names like Jrue Holiday, Dyson Daniels and Herbert Jones often dominate the conversation. However, one player who constantly flies under the radar is Alex Caruso. For his former teammate Nikola Vucevic, it has become imperative that the 6'5" guard receives the recognition he deserves.
Advertisement
Moreover, "Bald Mamba's" relentless energy, fearless defense against any opponent - regardless of position - and unwavering commitment to give his maximum effort on both ends of the floor, in Vucevic's view, have given the Oklahoma City Thunder the undeniable dominant edge throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Vucevic wants Caruso's efforts to be recognized
When contemplating the Thunder's consistent success over the past two years - attaining the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference - and even reaching the NBA Finals this time around, instantly the credit is handed to Shai Gilgeous Alexander for averaging over 30 points per game or Jalen Williams to be a reliant second option or to Lu Dort for providing high-quality two-way effort in every game. But Vucevic pointed to Caruso's championship pedigree and leadership as intangibles that help shape the team's identity.
"He knows his role on a team. He wants that challenge and wants to compete against the best opposing players and play to the best of his abilities. You see him now with Oklahoma; he is guarding from one to five. He has that in himself and he is a smart defensive player. He understands what other players plan to do on the court and knows how to bother them. He is always in attack mode and is a pest on defense. He irritates you constantly which also brings a psychological element to the game because he annoys the opposing players," Vucevic said. "He is an x-factor that makes a difference. He will play good defense, make big shots. It is a luxury to have that type of player," Nikola concluded.
It's hard not to admit that Vucevic summed it up perfectly. One of the most underrated reasons why OKC was able to overcome the 2023 NBA champs - Denver Nuggets - in the second round was because of AC elevating his scoring average to 10.4 points per game as well as being fearless even when told to guard a bigger opponent in Nikola Jokic.
Advertisement
Similarly, in the WCFs, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 2020 NBA champion played a huge role in limiting the scoring averages of both Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, constantly being in their face and not allowing them room to even fire shot attempts.
Related: "God, if you let me get through this, I won't play no more" - Larry Bird describes the moment that made him retire for good
Caruso is Thunder's X factor
Following the Indiana Pacers' dramatic comeback win in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals - overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit - the pressure now shifts to OKC's young core. In such moments, the leadership and experience of Caruso will be vital in re-centering the team.
Advertisement
Not only will he need to motivate his teammates, but he'll also be tasked with neutralizing threats like Tyrese Haliburton during key stretches in the games ahead.
While SGA and Williams might get the credit for OKC's success if they were to win it all this time around, it is Alex's grit, resilience, and defensive tenacity that has helped Thunder have a killer edge in the way they're playing.
Related: Alex Caruso said LeBron James and Rajon Rondo taught him how to see plays before they happen: "It's like chess… they're two moves ahead"
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Maxwell Moldovan, OSU alum, hits eagle at U.S. Open
Maxwell Moldovan, OSU alum, hits eagle at U.S. Open

Yahoo

time10 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Maxwell Moldovan, OSU alum, hits eagle at U.S. Open

Jun 6, 2024; Dublin, Ohio, USA; Maxwell Moldovan plays his shot from the second tee during the first round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports An Ohio State alum has one of the early highlights at Oakmont Country Club. On the first hole of his first round at the 2025 U.S. Open Golf Championship, former Buckeyes golfer Maxwell Moldovan needed just two strokes to get his ball into the cup, earning him an eagle on the par-4 hole. Moldovan, who turned pro in June 2024 and in April won his first pro event at the PGA Tour Americas Brazil Open, was one of four players in a field of 83 to qualify out of Springfield Country Club, located in Springfield, Ohio. He put together rounds of 69-65 to go 5 under, which sent him to the U.S. Open. Advertisement This is his fourth straight year competing in the event. Dispatch reporter Rob Oller contributed to this report. Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@ and at @NathanRHart on X and at on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: See OSU alum hit awesome eagle at U.S. Open

The Best Tunnel Fits  From The 2025-'26 WNBA Season: Week 2
The Best Tunnel Fits  From The 2025-'26 WNBA Season: Week 2

Forbes

time16 minutes ago

  • Forbes

The Best Tunnel Fits From The 2025-'26 WNBA Season: Week 2

It's only week 2 of the WNBA season, and things are starting to settle in. Several teams have picked up their first wins, while a few are still holding on to undefeated records. Rookies are looking more comfortable, not just on the court, but in the tunnels too, where their personal style is starting to take place. As spring fades into summers warmth, we're seeing fewer layers and more skin via cut-outs and cropped pieces. Colors are getting brighter, the use of mixed patterns are becoming more apparent, and the heels are just higher and higher. Below, we've rounded up our favorite tunnel fits from week 2. Vacation may have come early with this two piece cardigan and choice set. This resort style crochet set stands out with the multi colored stitches, and Bell matches this luxe set with these cobalt and black sneakers. Although this look wasn't captured in the tunnel, Kahleah Copper still got to show off her tunnel style courtside while out due to injury. And even though she's not playing, she's still very much in the game. Channeling a mid-aughts NBA coach amid the league's formal dress code era, and she's practically coaching her teammates to a win. The oversized suit, cranberry-striped tie, and loafers is different from what we've seen Copper wear in the past, as she's usually known for her street style, but I'm hoping we see Copper suited up more in the future. Jewell lives up to her name, stepping through the tunnel looking like an absolute gem in this Jacquemus Canadian tuxedo—a sleek, washed, and polished denim suit. With a nod to late-90s or early-aughts NBA fashion, especially with these nylon lensed glasses, this look perfectly captures Jewell's personal style: cool, oversized, and effortlessly elevated. Honestly, can we bring back wearing merch from sports you don't play? While Brittney Sykes may have never picked up a hockey stick, she's still repping for state solidarity as a Mystic. In another oversized look, Sykes rocks a color-blocked hockey jersey, light-wash denim shorts, and a corduroy Washington Capitals hat, showing that you don't have to play the game to wear the gear. The heels keep getting higher, and in this all-white pointed stiletto, Olivia Nelson-Ododa struts in them tall. This Connecticut sun player stands out every time she walks through the tunnel—not because she fades into the fit but because she knows her personal style, and wears it well. And this week, she's wearing a pleather burgundy suit jacket, a crisp white button-up, and a matching skirt. And, of course, no look is complete without coordinating sunglasses. Oops, she did it again: channeling an early-aughts pop icon with this distressed, dirt-washed, pleated, and frayed denim mini skirt. But she doesn't leave it all to chance and little imagination. Yes, she pairs the ultra-mini skirt with an even smaller button-up top, but she balances the proportions perfectly with a dark grey trench coat, mixing business with play — its what she does well. When it comes to fashion, Isabelle Harrison does simple and feminine religiously. In the tunnel, she pairs this white and black collared button down pleated dress with calf-high heeled leather boots. She plays into classic New York style with large thin hoops, truly putting on for her new city. These might just be the highest heels in the tunnel so far, and of course, they're worn by none other than Rickea Jackson. Known for playing with silhouettes, especially with twists on office wear and cut-outs, this two-piece deconstructed suit takes the crown as one of her best "office siren" fits to date. This game wasn't in New York, but the Timbs' still made an appearance. Nalyssa Smith, known for her coveted tunnel style, stayed true to her playful streetwear roots in a Mnml Fleur De Lis multicolor jacket, white ribbed tank, and long rivet-pleated shorts. A'ja Wilson is a'll business, no play in this pinstriped suit jacket and matching ruffled shorts. This isn't her first time sporting pinstripes, and it definitely won't be the last. She's previously donned the look during her jersey retirement and again at Paris Fashion Week with Nike. This time, though, she leans into a more relaxed silhouette, skipping the undershirt and pairing the suiting with sculptural black leather, knee-high heeled boots. The finishing touches? The LV Aces cap and LV Monogram tote.

Game 4 same game parlay – Friday, June 13
Game 4 same game parlay – Friday, June 13

USA Today

time19 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Game 4 same game parlay – Friday, June 13

NBA picks: Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals | Game 4 same game parlay – Friday, June 13 The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. For same-game parlay suggestions, check out the article below. Watch the NBA with NBA League Pass Successfully hitting the spread, total and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander under 34.5 PTS parlay for the Thunder-Pacers game pays out $56.82 on a $10 bet using the computer picks below. Curious how each of those wagers looks? Continue scrolling to learn more. NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 11:16 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Thunder vs. Pacers spread pick Favorite: Thunder (-6) Thunder (-6) Pick ATS: Thunder -6 (Projected score: Thunder 119, Pacers 111) Thunder -6 (Projected score: Thunder 119, Pacers 111) Oklahoma City's record against the spread is 53-25-4. The Thunder are 37-20-3 as 6-point favorites or more. Indiana has 38 wins in 82 games against the spread this season. As 6-point underdogs or more, the Pacers are 7-6 against the spread. Thunder vs. Pacers total pick Total: 225.5 225.5 Pick OU: Over 225.5 (Projecting 229.4 total points) Over 225.5 (Projecting 229.4 total points) Oklahoma City has combined with its opponents to score more than 225.5 points in 48 of 82 games this season. In 65.9% of Indiana's games this season (54/82), the teams combined to score more than Friday's over/under of 225.5 points. The Thunder and their opponents have scored an average of 227.5 points per game in 2024-25, 2.0 more than Friday's total. The 225.5-point total for this game is 7.6 points below the 233.1 points per game average total in Pacers games this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander points prop Points prop: OU 34.5 OU 34.5 Pick: Under (Projecting 34.1 points) Under (Projecting 34.1 points) Friday's points prop bet for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 34.5 points. That is 1.8 more than his season average of 32.7. So far this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is 36-for-75 at scoring more than the total set for his points prop. Thunder vs. Pacers game info

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store