'This is peak male performance': Alex Caruso's bold wardrobe choice goes viral as fans react hilariously ahead of Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals Game 1

Time of India

18 hours ago

As the Oklahoma City Thunder gear up for their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012, it's not just their playoff run turning heads—it's Alex Caruso's pregame energy. During Wednesday's media availability at Paycom Center, the 31-year-old guard showed up wearing his trademark white headband, but this time pulled snugly over his hoodie.
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The look was classic Caruso—dead serious and unintentionally hilarious—and it didn't take long for social media to erupt. Fans flooded timelines with reactions ranging from mockery to admiration, capturing the exact chaos that Caruso seems to thrive in.
Alex Caruso's headband sparks viral fan reactions ahead of NBA Finals Game 1
of the NBA Finals tips off Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, as the
host the
in a battle of two teams seeking their first championship. The Thunder reached the Finals by knocking out the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, while the Pacers earned their spot after dispatching the New York Knicks in six.
But in the buildup to Thursday's showdown, it was
—not
or
—who stole the pregame spotlight. Stepping into the press room with a white headband pulled over his hood, Caruso turned a routine media session into a viral moment.
Image via X
One user on
, clearly on the Pacers' side, didn't hold back: 'Nice headband loser.' The jab added a touch of rivalry humor as fans geared up for the Finals.
Image via X
Another user amped up the intensity with 'K*ll Haliburton,' reflecting Caruso's expected role in shadowing Indiana's star guard on the defensive end.
While dramatic, it was more a nod to Caruso's fearless defensive identity.
Image via X
A separate user commented, 'This man never stops game intensity,' pointing out how Caruso seems locked in at all times, even when just speaking to reporters.
Image via X
Another user chimed in with, 'He guards inanimate objects at home in his downtime,' poking fun at Caruso's relentless on-ball pressure and elite hustle plays.
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A more lighthearted take came from another user who wrote, 'wtf is he on 😭😭😭 you can tell these boys ain't get no sleep,' hinting at the kind of chaotic team energy that often precedes a deep playoff run.
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Image via X
And perhaps the most iconic take came from a fan who called the moment, 'This is peak male performance.' Whether sarcastic or sincere, the comment summed up how Caruso's mix of intensity, humor, and confidence has become must-watch content.
Image via X
Alex Caruso's elite defense and hustle match his off-court swagger before NBA Finals
While his look grabbed attention, Caruso's contributions to the Thunder run far deeper. Since being acquired from the Chicago Bulls in a trade for Josh Giddey, the 6'4" guard has become a cornerstone of Oklahoma City's defense.
The trade was meant to add more toughness and versatility to the starting unit, and it's worked.
Caruso is averaging 8.8 points and 2.5 assists per game in the postseason, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter players. During the regular season, he chipped in 7.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game across 54 appearances.
His defensive presence has helped the Thunder silence stars from Memphis, Denver, and Minnesota en route to the Finals, earning him praise from teammates, analysts, and even opposing fans.
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When the Thunder and Pacers take the floor Thursday night in Oklahoma City, Alex Caruso will be doing what he always does—locking in defensively, creating chaos, and yes, wearing that headband. Whether he's shutting down elite scorers or becoming a walking meme at a press conference, Caruso embodies the grit, humor, and confidence this Thunder squad has leaned on all postseason. And now, with four wins standing between OKC and a championship, Caruso's energy—on and off the court—might just be the X-factor that takes them all the way.