OKC Thunder 'waste' away Alex Caruso's 31 points in Game 1 loss to Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs 122-115 in double overtime, dropping into a 0-1 series deficit in their home opener. Alex Caruso led the Thunder with 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including 8-of-14 from three, but his efforts were not enough to secure the victory. The Spurs’ aggressive defense and strategic plays, particularly targeting two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stifled OKC’s offense in the fourth quarter and overtime. Caruso had a career-high playoff performance, scoring 16 points in the first half and adding eight more in the fourth quarter, where he capitalized on open shots created by Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite his offensive output, the Thunder struggled to close the game, with the Spurs’ defense forcing turnovers and limiting OKC’s transition opportunities. Caruso also contributed defensively with two steals and two blocks, though he admitted the Spurs adjusted their game plan to exploit San Antonio’s dominant big man, Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs entered the game with a clear strategy to contain Caruso’s three-point shooting, but his efficiency—especially in the fourth quarter—proved too much for San Antonio’s defense. Gilgeous-Alexander praised Caruso’s effort, calling it a ‘great game,’ though the loss leaves the Thunder facing a challenging road ahead in the series. The Spurs’ ability to neutralize Caruso’s scoring while containing their star player will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the Finals. Caruso’s playoff performance has earned comparisons to Andre Iguodala for his clutch scoring and defensive impact, but the Thunder’s inability to convert momentum into a win highlights the Spurs’ depth and adaptability. The loss marks a tough start for OKC, who will now look to regroup for Game 2 on the road. The Spurs’ victory sets the tone for a tightly contested series, with both teams poised to battle in high-stakes moments.