Alex Caruso, recently traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, has struggled offensively but remains a crucial defensive asset for the team. Despite his shooting woes, with a field-goal percentage of just 27.6% and 16.7% from three-point range, Caruso leads the league in deflections and ranks 17th in steals per game, showcasing his defensive prowess (Oklahoman, SI). Coach Mark Daigneault and Caruso himself acknowledge the low offensive stats but emphasize his positive impact on winning through defense and team chemistry (Sportskeeda, CBS). The Thunder, bolstered by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and other key players, are thriving in the Western Conference, and Caruso's role, though limited in minutes, is appreciated for its intangibles (Sportskeeda, CBS). His focus remains on contributing to the team's success rather than personal scoring, aligning with the Thunder's title aspirations (Oklahoman, Sportskeeda).