Latest news with #Caruso
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alex Caruso on Thunder motivations to win championship: 'If you win, everybody gets paid'
Nothing sweeter than the offseason following an NBA championship. You enjoy a nonstop press tour throughout the summer. Everybody wants you on their show. They want to know about your journey to being a ring holder. Players get a chance to run a victory lap after a victory lap. The Oklahoma City Thunder are experiencing that for the first time. After they won the Larry O'Brien trophy to cap off one of the greatest seasons ever, they've had the chance to party it up in the offseason. They'll enter next season as a favorite to repeat. As the lone player on the Thunder roster to have a championship before June, Alex Caruso talked about the behind-the-scenes of their voyage to the mountaintop. The 31-year-old appeared on the "Dan Patrick Show" to discuss his first season in OKC and how he played a vital role in its playoff run. Besides achieving basketball nirvana, Caruso said the Thunder were also motivated by the second contract they're within grasp of. At the end of the day, the NBA is a business. You're trying to get as much money as you can out of the machine before your career is cut short. The two-time NBA champion understands the amount of cache a title buys you for that. "I think there are enough examples throughout the history of basketball and the league, if you win, everybody gets paid," Caruso said. "Even the team in 2020 that won the 'ship for us in the Lakers. A couple of guys didn't get brought back, but they got paid other ways." Caruso listed off several Lakers role players who looked like they were about to exit the league for good before their 2020 Bubble Run bought them some extra runway. He mentioned Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green and JaVale McGee all received reputation boosts as veterans with championship experience. Those are the intangibles teams always look to add to their locker rooms. The Thunder are a little different than that veteran Lakers squad. They were the second-youngest champion in NBA history. So instead of a bunch of older players clinging onto their careers, their roster was filled with guys on their rookie-scale deals who are due up for an extension. Even though the context is a shade different, the principle remains the same. The Thunder have ponied up this offseason after a championship run. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren all received contract extensions this offseason. But so did Jaylin Williams and Ajay Mitchell. "Everybody on a championship team gets an opportunity and gets paid. I think convincing the team that's how it was going to be," Caruso said. "It was unique too, with such young guys that all have big aspirations and goals and ambitions in the league. Really impressive, honestly." If you play winning basketball, that will always help a player get paid. That wasn't the primary motivation to win a championship. That's an accomplishment in itself. But it's still a nice bonus to accomplish something every fanbase hopes to see at least once in their lifetime.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Alex Caruso Breaks Down the Madness of Guarding Stephen Curry—and the Genius of LeBron James: "He's a Menace"
Alex Caruso has built a reputation in the NBA as one of the most respected perimeter defenders in the game. Known for his relentless effort and sharp basketball mind, Caruso has spent years guarding elite players—including two of the league's most iconic figures: Stephen Curry and LeBron James . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In recent appearances on podcasts and interviews, he gave fans a glimpse into the unique challenges of guarding both superstars, offering honest, thoughtful reflections shaped by years of high-level competition. When Is Stephen Curry Most Dangerous? Alex Caruso Weighs In Alex Caruso (Image via Nathaniel S. Butler/ Getty Images) When it comes to , Alex Caruso offers a perspective that even seasoned fans might overlook: 'People don't always get this, but he's actually most dangerous right after he gives the ball up.' Key Observations from Caruso: - Curry's Off-the-Ball Threat: Caruso explained that once Curry hands the ball off, the real trouble begins. He doesn't stand still—instead, he launches into constant motion, running through screens, cutting sharply, and finding space for a quick catch-and-shoot three. 'He just runs in circles until you lose track, then nails a 30-footer. It's nearly impossible to guard.' - The Warriors' Offensive System: system amplifies Curry's strengths. Caruso pointed out the chemistry between Curry and Draymond Green, whose screens and handoffs keep defenders off balance. 'Their whole offense is built for him. You really can't take a single play off.' - The Physical Toll: Defending Curry demands peak physical and mental endurance. Caruso jokingly admitted how drained he feels after chasing Curry and Klay Thompson all night. 'You come out of those games with no legs left.' Alex Caruso's Respect for Stephen Curry His admiration for Stephen Curry is clear: 'He's a menace… Whether it's on-ball or off-ball, you can't rest. He's that hard to guard.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And the numbers support it. At 37 years old, Curry wrapped up the 2024–25 season averaging 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, shooting nearly 40% from deep. The Challenge of Guarding LeBron James Having played both with and against , Caruso offers a rare dual perspective on what it takes to guard the four-time MVP. LeBron himself has publicly praised Caruso, calling him one of his all-time favorite teammates. Why LeBron Is Such a Tough Matchup Alex Caruso on the Dan Patrick Show Full Interview | 07/11/25 - Elite Physical Tools: LeBron's mix of size, strength, and agility makes him a nightmare to contain. Caruso, who's defended players across every position, says LeBron presents a uniquely difficult challenge. - High Basketball IQ: Caruso likened facing LeBron to playing chess. His ability to anticipate and exploit weaknesses sets him apart. 'He's always thinking two moves ahead.' - Relentless Effort: Even in his 21st season, LeBron's hustle is unmatched. Alex Caruso remembers watching him recover on defense, then sprint to contest a three from the opposite corner. Those moments, he says, define LeBron's greatness. What Caruso Learned from LeBron James Alex Caruso credits much of his own development to playing alongside LeBron James. 'Watching them play was like watching chess. LeBron's support gave me confidence. Having someone like that believe in you really changes things.' He explained that LeBron's encouragement helped him realize how valuable his defensive skills could be—how effort and awareness could actually influence NBA outcomes. Inside the Mind of a Lockdown Defender Alex Caruso's success as a defender doesn't just come from hustle—it's built on careful preparation and adaptability. - Studying Opponents: He pays close attention to player tendencies and makes quick reads during games. - Maximum Effort: Caruso's refusal to quit on plays is something even LeBron has applauded. - Positional Versatility: Whether guarding sharpshooters like Curry or overpowering stars like LeBron, Caruso adapts his game to meet the challenge. Alex Caruso's firsthand insights offer fans a deeper appreciation of the NBA's most unguardable talents. His breakdown of Stephen Curry's off-ball chaos and LeBron's all-around dominance reveals what it truly takes to defend greatness. Caruso may not always be in the spotlight, but his work ethic, intelligence, and determination have earned him a seat at the table with basketball's elite. Also read: In a league that glorifies scoring, Caruso's perspective reminds us: greatness also lies in the grit, the hustle, and the tiny, crucial battles that happen on every possession.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Caruso steers Italy to 1-0 win over Belgium in Women's Euro 2025
SION, Switzerland -Italy won their first match in the Women's European Championship since 2017 as Arianna Caruso struck in the 44th minute to give them a 1-0 win over Belgium in their Group B opener on Thursday. HT Image Lucia Di Guglielmo's quick pass from the right found Caruso unguarded just outside the box and the Bayern Munich midfielder calmly curled a right-footed shot away from keeper Lisa Lichtfus to find the net by the near post. "It was what we wanted, the first match is always complicated," coach Andrea Soncin told RAI after Italy made their first winning start in the tournament since 2009. "We can definitely improve and we must if we want to continue to grow, but I am happy with the attitude we showed." Player of the match Caruso probed the Belgian defence with multiple attempts in the first 20 minutes, after the match began with a minute's silence following the death of Portuguese national men's team striker Diogo Jota in a car accident. Belgium had more of the ball in the first half and made 10 attempts, two more than Italy, but failed to take the lead when Mariam Toloba shot wide in the 26th minute and Tessa Wullaert missed the target from close range four minutes before Caruso's goal. Lichtfus's quick reflexes saved Cristiana Girelli's close range back-flick in the 64th minute to keep Belgium in the game, but the 2022 quarter-finalists were unable to find an equaliser as Italy comfortably held on to ensure victory. Italy will continue their campaign against Portugal on Monday, while Belgium play world champions Spain. "Feet on the ground," Soncin cautioned. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Italy beats Belgium 1-0 in their Euro 2025 opener in what could prove to be a pivotal win
Italy secured what could prove to be a pivotal opening victory in the Women's European Championship by beating Belgium 1-0. Arianna Caruso scored on the stroke of halftime on Thursday (July 3, 2025) to give Italy an advantage in a tough Group B, which World Cup winner Spain is expected to top. The first two in the group will progress to the quarterfinals — and Belgium, Italy and Portugal will likely face a close battle for second. Two-time runner-up at the Euros, Italy hasn't reached the knockout stage since 2013. And the Azzurre will be cautious after winning their opener at the World Cup two years ago but failing to progress from the group. "Honestly, I don't like talking about the past but I think you also need to learn from it," Caruso said. "And it's happened before that we've won the first match and then things haven't gone well. "So it's right that we enjoy this victory, but from tomorrow we'll be thinking about the next matches because they will be as important as this one." Italy coach Andrea Soncin immediately interjected, saying: "also tonight on the bus." Caruso jokingly made a grimace before smiling. Italy plays Portugal on Monday and Spain four days later. Next up for Belgium is the world champion. "We don't have to make that game bigger than it is. It's just a game. It's against a really good team, but we have to create that mentality ourselves and create our own truth," Belgium coach Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir said. She added: "We've trained like crazy people, I can tell you that, and the players are mentally and physically ready to play the next game, even if it's against the world champions." Thursday's victory was also revenge for Italy, which lost to Belgium in the group stage at Euro 2022 and came into the match on a streak of three straight defeats to the Red Flames. UEFA announced earlier that a minute's silence would be observed at Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday in memory of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, who were killed in a car accident in Spain. That was observed impeccably at a packed Stade de Tourbillon in Sion. The first half was finely poised, with a lot of good moves from both sides but a lack of final product as neither goalkeeper was really troubled. The most threat came from Belgium captain and all-time top goalscorer Tessa Wullaert and the Inter Milan forward had the best chance five minutes from the break. Her initial shot was blocked and she then sent her second attempt just wide of the left post. Italy broke the deadlock just four minutes later. Lucia Di Guglielmo picked out Caruso, who had been left completely unmarked on the edge of the area by the Belgian defense, and the Bayern Munich midfielder advanced into the left side of the box before cutting in and curling into the near top corner. Cristiana Girelli almost doubled Italy's lead in stunning fashion in the 64th minute with a back-heeled attempt from close range that drew an impressively quick reflex save from Belgium goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus to turn it away with her foot. The ball then came out to Caruso but she fired narrowly wide. Lichtfus pulled off another crucial stop in the dying minutes to deny substitute Michela Cambiaghi as Italy had a number of chances to seal the result.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Italian women manage to complete a first at the Euros for the first time since 2017
Lucia Di Guglielmo's quick pass from the right found Caruso unguarded just outside the box and the Bayern Munich midfielder calmly curled a right-footed shot away from keeper Lisa Lichtfus to find the net by the near post. "It was what we wanted, the first match is always complicated," coach Andrea Soncin told RAI after Italy made their first winning start in the tournament since 2009. "We can definitely improve and we must if we want to continue to grow, but I am happy with the attitude we showed." Player of the match Caruso probed the Belgian defence with multiple attempts in the first 20 minutes, after the match began with a minute's silence following the death of Portuguese national men's team striker Diogo Jota in a car accident. Belgium had more of the ball in the first half and made 10 attempts, two more than Italy, but failed to take the lead when Mariam Toloba shot wide in the 26th minute and Tessa Wullaert missed the target from close range four minutes before Caruso's goal. Lichtfus's quick reflexes saved Cristiana Girelli's close range back-flick in the 64th minute to keep Belgium in the game, but the 2022 quarter-finalists were unable to find an equaliser as Italy comfortably held on to ensure victory. Italy will continue their campaign against Portugal on Monday, while Belgium play world champions Spain. "Feet on the ground," Soncin cautioned.
