Thunder Strike Back Behind SGA’s 34, Caruso’s Spark in Game 2 Win
In a must-win scenario that felt like the heartbeat of Oklahoma City itself, the Thunder roared back to life on their home floor, overpowering their playoff rivals with a decisive 123-107 victory in Game 2, evening the series at one game apiece.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—calm, poised, and utterly unstoppable—delivered another signature performance, pouring in 34 points on a dazzling array of mid-range pull-ups, silky drives, and cold-blooded threes. Every time the opposition threatened to close the gap, there was SGA, slicing through defenders, floating in his signature runners, or burying step-back jumpers with quiet confidence.
But it wasn’t just Shai’s show.
The unexpected X-factor was Alex Caruso, the Thunder’s recent trade deadline acquisition, who erupted for 20 points off the bench—the most crucial of which came in a scorching third quarter where he ignited the Paycom Center crowd with back-to-back triples and a thunderous transition dunk that left the rim shaking and fans on their feet. Known for his gritty defense and heady play, Caruso gave OKC more than just hustle; he gave them breathing room, energy, and swagger.
“I just wanted to bring that edge,” Caruso said postgame, sweat still clinging to his brows. “We knew we couldn’t go down 0-2. I just tried to make plays, hit open shots, and give the guys a lift. This is what I’m here for.”
Early on, the Thunder sent a message. Chet Holmgren swatted two early layups at the rim, while Lu Dort smothered the opposing star guard into an inefficient start. The defense held firm, forcing six turnovers in the first quarter alone. Off those stops, SGA and Caruso fueled fast breaks that flipped the tempo in OKC’s favor.
By halftime, the Thunder led 58-49, thanks to SGA’s 18 first-half points and Caruso’s surprising 11. But the third quarter sealed the story. With the visitors threatening to rally behind a hot shooting stretch, Caruso checked in and immediately drilled two corner threes—on feeds from Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams—that blew the lid off the arena. His defensive deflections sparked breakouts; his pump-fake layup over two defenders drew an and-one roar that felt like a turning point.
“AC changed the game,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said. “He gave us momentum when we needed it. That’s what great vets do.”
Jalen Williams added 17 points and 6 assists, Holmgren chipped in 12 points and 4 blocks, and the Thunder’s bench—anchored by Caruso—outscored their counterparts 38-21. The defense tightened late, holding the opponent to just 18 fourth-quarter points as OKC’s lead ballooned to as much as 20.
In the final minutes, SGA danced at the top of the key, clock winding down, and nailed a step-back three to seal it—his 34th point of the night—as chants of “M-V-P!” rained down.
The Thunder now head on the road with renewed purpose and fresh life in the series. If Caruso’s spark and SGA’s brilliance continue, this battle is far from over.
“We’re just getting started,” Gilgeous-Alexander said with a smile.
And the rest of the league should take notice.
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