Even earlier than the 124-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Alex Caruso mentioned he might really feel a transparent distinction in how opponents are approaching video games towards them now.
“Final 12 months, I really feel like we went to the common season and we needed to earn our respect via profitable, as a result of we hadn’t performed something but,” he instructed Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.
That dynamic, in accordance with Caruso, has flipped since profitable the championship.
“Loads of groups most likely didn’t present up with the identical power and similar mindset that they do that 12 months,” he mentioned, explaining that opponents now deal with matchups towards them as a measuring stick.
Caruso additionally admitted that the response on his personal facet has not all the time matched that urgency.
“Loads of occasions, I feel we’re not taking part in our greatest, not less than to not the extent that these different groups are coming in with,” he mentioned. “The mindset, the execution. Perhaps their will to win is a little bit increased than ours, which shouldn’t be the case.”
Caruso has performed 9 seasons for the Lakers, Bulls, and Thunder. He has averaged 6.8 factors, 2.9 rebounds, and a pair of.8 assists in 443 regular-season video games.
He has received 2 NBA championships.
Thunder Notes: Stoop, SGA, Caruso, Commerce Deadline, Carlson https://t.co/MAL3IRUeLH pic.twitter.com/1gFBqJzk3n
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 7, 2026
