Thunder defense turns into a nightmare for Booker, Caruso: “Great team effort”
OKC’s defensive organization has put Devin Booker through one of the toughest stretches of his career. Alex Caruso acknowledges it and praises the team effort
On the afternoon of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s playoff career-high – 42 points on 83% shooting in Game 3 – the Oklahoma City Thunder’s win, which gives them match point in the series against Phoenix Suns, once again bore the signature of multiple key contributors.
Looking at the defensive end – a true defensive fortress since the start of the season – the effectiveness of the game plan designed to limit Devin Booker was perhaps even more impressive than the Canadian star’s offensive explosion.
Across all three games, OKC has gotten maximum impact in this area from its group of defensive specialists, with Alex Caruso naturally playing a key role off the bench.
I matched up with him (Booker), Lu did a fantastic job and so did Cason; Cason even blocked one of his pull-up jumpers, even though he’s one of the most vertical shooters in the league, and he was always in the right spots
Alex Caruso
The former Bulls guard, speaking to the media, highlighted his own effort while giving credit to younger teammates who no longer surprise him with their impact.
They did an incredible job with smart plays and simple effort against him: Devin is an incredible player, he’s scored thousands and thousands of points in the NBA, and they accepted the challenge, helping each other. I tried to do my best, but they probably deserve more credit than I do
Alex Caruso
Words from a veteran proud to embrace his role within a system that, at least for now, has no weak links.
The controversial third-quarter moment with Lu Dort
As if struggling to find rhythm and make shots wasn’t enough, just minutes into the second half, Booker hit the floor while trying to navigate an off-ball screen. He appeared to lose balance after contact with Lu Dort, whose intent was not determined by the officiating crew.
At the next stoppage, the Suns star was forced to head to the locker room to have his ankle checked.
After the game, Booker ruled out any serious issue, stating that his ankle is fine. However, he didn’t pass up the chance to send a not-so-subtle message toward the Canadian guard, who has previously been involved in borderline physical plays.
It’s not the first time, and I bet it won’t be the last
Devin Booker
Following his criticism of referee James Williams after Game 2 – which resulted in a $35,000 fine – this new episode involving Booker highlights growing frustration, setting the stage for it to become a key storyline heading into Game 4.