When the Oklahoma City Thunder added Alex Caruso, he was a popular pick to be a potential X-factor in the playoffs. Shuffle their 103-101 win over the LA Clippers to the top of the evidence case to how that can look on the court. In his second start of the season, the 31-year-old single-handily changed the outcome.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault leaned heavily on Alex Caruso’s defensive versatility in Sunday’s 103-101 win against the Los Angeles Clippers. Before All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pointed out Caruso’s impact,

Twice Caruso was asked to face Los Angeles star Kawhi Leonard and leave him empty-handed. Twice he emerged triumphant.  “Just trying to make it difficult for him,” Caruso said of his defense on Leonard.