Alex Caruso Makes Unprecedented Case for Western Conference Finals MVP
The ongoing Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs has sparked a fascinating discussion about what constitutes a series MVP. This debate draws parallels to the 2015 NBA Finals, where Andre Iguodala won the MVP despite Stephen Curry being the standout player for the Golden State Warriors. In the current series, Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs has emerged as a dominant force, scoring 74 points in two wins, yet his candidacy for MVP hinges on San Antonio winning the series. In contrast, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's key player, struggles statistically despite being the two-time reigning MVP. His performance has been critical, especially with the absence of Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. However, Alex Caruso has made a remarkable case for himself in this series. His impact is evident: The Thunder are +42 with Caruso on the floor and -33 when he sits. He has shot 18 of 31 from three-point range, marking one of the hottest shooting stretches in conference finals history. Opponents are scoring 99.6 points per 100 possessions with him on the court compared to 117.4 when he’s off. Defensively, Caruso has excelled against San Antonio's top players, limiting them to poor shooting percentages. He has also contributed as a playmaker, racking up assists in crucial games. Despite his stellar performance, Caruso faces challenges in winning the MVP. Historically, no player has won the Finals MVP without starting every game, and Caruso has not started in this series. If the Thunder clinch the series, voters may confront a unique dilemma: can a role player like Caruso be deemed more valuable than a star like Gilgeous-Alexander in the context of this series? The answer may redefine the criteria for MVP awards in the NBA.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-27