The Oklahoma City Thunder are back on the big stage.
For the first time since 2016, the Thunder have punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals—and the story behind their resurgence is as much about grit and growth as it is about talent. At the heart of this playoff push are two familiar faces: head coach Mark Daigneault and veteran guard Alex Caruso, both of whom share a bond that stretches back to the G League days with the Oklahoma City Blue.
In 2016–17, the OKC Blue, the Thunder’s G League affiliate, made a deep run of their own, reaching the Western Conference Finals under then-head coach Daigneault. That roster featured a hard-nosed, high-IQ guard named Alex Caruso, who played all 50 games for the Blue that season. He averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 assists, and finished fourth in the league with 2.2 steals per game. Caruso’s impact wasn’t just statistical—he brought a level of defensive intensity, poise, and leadership that would soon become his calling card in the NBA.
Fast forward eight years, and the duo is back together—this time on the NBA’s brightest stage.
Caruso, acquired by the Thunder in a mid-season trade, has fit in seamlessly with a young, high-energy OKC squad. Known league-wide as a defensive menace and savvy playmaker, Caruso brings championship pedigree and playoff experience that the Thunder have leaned on heavily during this postseason run. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt offenses, and make timely plays has made him a critical part of OKC’s success.
“He’s our connective tissue,” Daigneault said in a postgame interview earlier this postseason. “He communicates, he competes, and he makes everyone around him better.”
Daigneault, now in his fourth season as the Thunder’s head coach, has earned widespread praise for his calm demeanor, developmental acumen, and innovative schemes. Under his guidance, OKC has transformed from a rebuilding project into a legitimate title contender—faster than many expected. His ability to maximize the talent of young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams has been nothing short of remarkable.
But make no mistake: this journey didn’t begin with draft picks or cap space. It began years ago in smaller gyms, on long bus rides, and in the G League grind.
That shared history between Daigneault and Caruso has translated into on-court chemistry and mutual trust. Caruso isn’t just another veteran; he’s someone Daigneault coached when they both were trying to prove they belonged. Now, they’re proving it together.
The Thunder’s path to the Western Conference Finals has been marked by a mix of youth and composure, flash and fundamentals. Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as an MVP-level force, Holmgren has anchored the defense with surprising poise for a rookie, and Caruso has served as the defensive heartbeat. His tenacity in guarding elite scorers and knack for making hustle plays at critical moments have given OKC the kind of edge that wins playoff games.
With a deep rotation, a culture of accountability, and a coach who knows how to balance development with competition, the Thunder are peaking at the right time. And as they prepare to face off against either Dallas or Denver in the conference finals, one thing is clear: this team believes it belongs.
It’s a full-circle moment for Caruso and Daigneault. From OKC Blue to OKC Thunder, from G League grind to NBA glory, their journey is a testament to patience, perseverance, and purpose.
The Thunder are no longer just the future—they’re the present. And as they chase their first Finals appearance since the Kevin Durant–Russell Westbrook era, they’re doing it with a foundation that started in the shadows of the league.
Now, it’s their time to shine.
