Initiate the campaign, as signs indicate that the NBA may finally be taking notice.
Enter Alex Caruso, a player deserving of a spot on the NBA All-Star team this season. If successful, he would become the first true reserve since Chris Gatling in 1997 to earn this prestigious recognition.
This sentiment isn’t lost on Kevin Durant, who, after a hard-fought effort resulting in 25 points during the Phoenix Suns’ dramatic 116-115 overtime victory against the Bulls, acknowledged Caruso’s impact. The 6-5 guard, consistently frustrating one of the game’s best offensive players with his tenacious ball denial, charges, steals, and disruptive defensive play, earned Durant’s recognition.
In a post-game address to reporters, Durant openly expressed his respect for the undrafted former G-leaguer. Caruso, who exhibited a plus-24 performance in a game the Bulls ultimately lost, contributed 19 points and showcased his three-point shooting prowess with four successful shots out of five attempts.
“He showed me some love after the game,” Caruso shared, somewhat shyly, a demeanor rarely seen on the court. “That’s what it’s all about. Part of that is he recognizes I’ve gotten better, and I try to make it difficult for him. I love competing against good players.”
With such acknowledgment from a player of Durant’s caliber, it’s time to rally behind Caruso’s All-Star bid and bring attention to his undeniable contributions on the court.
“His dedication to hard work and commitment to supporting his teammates is truly commendable,” praised Durant. “What he brings to the game compensates for a lot of mistakes. Tonight, he showcased his ability to get his hands on the ball, knocking down threes and elevating his game by creating off the dribble. Calling him a role player doesn’t do justice; he’s a player you can seamlessly integrate into any lineup. He makes the right reads and plays on both ends of the court, and the Bulls are fortunate to have him.”
Despite the Bulls facing a setback with a record of 3-6, the resilience instilled by Caruso’s inspirational and intentionally disruptive style of play is evident. Even when confronted with a daunting 22-4 deficit against the Suns in the first five and a half minutes, Bulls coach Billy Donovan made a pivotal decision: bring in Caruso.
Enter Alex Caruso, the Bulls’ potential savior.
In a blink, Caruso lived up to the expectations, finishing off a 14-3 Bulls run with three consecutive three-pointers. The third three-pointer prompted a timeout from the Suns and a jubilant Bulls bench emptying to greet Caruso as he exited the court, where he signaled the number three with his fingers.
The significance wasn’t lost on the highly-rated Suns, who now had to contend with the disruptive force of Caruso for the remaining three quarters. This challenge persisted despite the return of Durant and Bradley Beal for the Suns, with Caruso delivering one remarkable defensive effort after another. He thwarted a last-second shot from Durant to close the first quarter, bringing the Bulls back into contention, trailing 36-28. Caruso’s hustle was further exemplified when he outmuscled the towering Suns front line for an offensive rebound, setting up a three-pointer from Patrick Williams.
Billy Donovan, typically cautious about extending Caruso beyond 30 minutes due to his aggressive style, had little choice but to rely on him for a longer duration. And the decision paid off. “Alex goes out there and plays all out always,” lauded Zach LaVine. “It’s a privilege to have him on your team for how smart he is and how he sacrifices his body. That’s just how he plays and how he is. The 19 points is a bonus, but him impacting the game is more than that; he does that every night.”
At halftime, the score stood at a tied 57, a testament to Caruso’s relentless defensive efforts. He forced Durant into a charge and executed a block from behind, contributing to Durant’s uncharacteristic six turnovers. Caruso’s defensive prowess continued into the crucial moments of regulation, drawing yet another offensive foul on Durant with the Bulls trailing by two and around five minutes remaining. This led to a Durant travel due to Caruso’s persistent pestering. Caruso also showcased his offensive skills, faking a pass and driving for a layup to tie the game at 103 with 3:59 left in regulation. His defense forced Durant into a miss that could have secured the win for the Suns at the regulation buzzer.
DeRozan praised Caruso’s unique defensive abilities, comparing him to the likes of Tony Allen, noting his awareness, anticipation, hand speed, understanding of angles, and overall basketball IQ. Caruso, often considered a bench player, played the entire overtime, preventing Durant from dominating, ultimately securing a Bulls victory.
Despite Caruso’s stellar performance, the game took a heartbreaking turn, with the Bulls losing in overtime. Caruso expressed his frustration with the loss but emphasized the importance of consistency for the team. He acknowledged the team’s potential and talent but stressed the need for consistency to establish themselves as a formidable force in the league.
Caruso, consistently making significant plays for the team, has been a standout player this season. Leading in various metrics not found in the traditional box score, he has proven to be a vital asset to the Bulls. His impact goes beyond statistics, and his consistent contributions have not gone unnoticed.
In a league often dominated by statistical measures, Caruso’s impact is evident through his on-court actions. His defensive prowess, strategic plays, and overall commitment to the game have solidified his role as a key player for the Bulls. Caruso, undeterred by statistics, focuses on his love for the game and his confidence in his abilities. With seven years of NBA experience, he approaches each game with the mindset of a seasoned player, ready to compete and do what he loves—play basketball.
Caruso’s defensive mentality involves disrupting opponents by denying them their usual rhythm and angles. He emphasized the importance of pushing players off their normal looks to make every shot challenging. Despite facing formidable opponents, like the seven-foot Durant, Caruso’s relentless defensive approach involves early work and making it as difficult as possible for his adversaries.
Reflecting on his journey to the NBA, Caruso acknowledged the challenges he faced, from fighting for minutes to earning his spot on the court. He highlighted the perseverance required to turn limited playing time into significant contributions. Playing under coach Frank Vogel in LA during the championship-winning season, Caruso learned the value of fighting for minutes and improving his game gradually. He takes pride in becoming a dynamic player on both ends of the court, emphasizing his love for the game and his gratitude for being able to play basketball professionally.
