Good brothers, Thunder Caruso s "unwavering" evaluation of Chetholmgren after the first game

How Thunder veteran Alex Caruso evaluated Chet Holmgren's performance in losing to the Nuggets 119-117 in Game 1.

Oklahoma City -- Alex Caruso showed his unwavering confidence before Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Homegren revealed his desire for a second game against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. Homgren's two missed free throws set the stage for Aaron Gordon's winning three-pointer, but that didn't change head coach Mark Degno's confidence in Homgren, as did Caruso.

After the Thunder lost to the Nuggets 117-119 on Monday, Caruso explained why his trust in Homegren was not changed because the Thunder's 14-point lead was reversed in the first game.

"He got on the court for a reason. He scored 25 points in the second half in the third game, when we reversed the win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, he played late in the game to put an end to the series," Caruso said. "We trust him. We believe in him. There is a reason Mark let him play."

"I feel confident when he catches the ball and prepares for free throws." "Sometimes the ball doesn't get in, you have to find a way," Caruso concluded.

Caruso questioned the possibility of Homegren's two free throws, coupled with Gordon's three-pointer in the last minute of the fast break.

"How likely is Chet lost two free throws and Gordon made a controversial 3-pointer in the last moment of the fast break? It's likely to be good for us, but it didn't happen in the end, right? Again, I don't think things will go to that point," Caruso added. "I think things will go five minutes before that. But we have super confidence in Chet. There is no doubt about that."

Alex Caruso is positive about the Thunder's loss

Thunder veteran Alex Caruso is very happy to be side by side with Chet Homgren and advance to the Western Conference semi-finals. Caruso made reporters recall the days when he was away from home during the playoffs and cherished the opportunity to compete so deeply in the 2024-25 season.

"I like playing and playing basketball," Caruso said. "I'm eager to win over everything, losing is really bad. Losing is bad. Losing is bad. But in the long run, we have a chance to play the playoffs. Game 2 of the second round on Wednesday. What else can I ask for? I haven't made it to the playoffs in many years."

Caruso also won his first NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020 and hopes to help the Thunder equalize the second round.