Caruso Says Thunder Are Preparing for War in 60-Win Spurs West Finals

4 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 17

Alex Caruso framed Oklahoma City’s Western Conference Finals matchup with San Antonio as "preparing for war," underscoring the stakes of a series between two 60-win teams.
The veteran guard is central to OKC’s plan because the Spurs are viewed as the Thunder’s first true playoff test in a bid to repeat as NBA champions.
Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio’s defense will shape Caruso’s role on both ends, with Oklahoma City likely needing his perimeter shooting if the Spurs load up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Christmas offered a preview of that strategy: Caruso went 2-of-12 from 3-point range as the Spurs handed OKC its first alarming loss of the season.
The matchup has been anticipated for months and is being cast as a potential title-deciding series, with the winner seen gaining a clearer path to the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

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