Alex Caruso enters concussion protocol after Thunder’s season opener
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso suffered a concussion during Tuesday’s game against the Houston Rockets and has been placed in the league’s concussion protocol.
The 31-year-old veteran contributed eight points, two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in 30 minutes off the bench before the injury. His defensive presence helped the Thunder secure a nail-biting 125-124 double-overtime victory over Houston.
There’s no timeline for when Caruso might return to action. He’ll need to be completely symptom-free before he can even think about getting back on the court.
This is a tough break for Caruso, who joined the Thunder in a trade with the Chicago Bulls just this past June.
Last season wasn’t kind to him health-wise either. He was limited to just 54 regular-season games due to various injuries, though he still managed to be a key bench contributor during the Thunder’s championship run.
“Alex Caruso sustained a concussion in yesterday’s game. He is placed under concussion protocol,” the team announced on social media Wednesday.
Despite his injury troubles, Caruso has been one of the league’s elite defenders. He shot an impressive 40.8% from three-point range last season while ranking third in the NBA in steals with 120.
What really stands out is his defensive matchup stats. He was second in the entire league in defensive half-court matchups against 2024 All-Stars, trailing only his Thunder teammate Luguentz Dort.
With Caruso sidelined, look for Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe (who’s dealing with a knee issue himself), and Aaron Wiggins to get more playing time.
The Thunder clearly value Caruso’s contributions. Last December, they locked him up with a four-year, $81 million contract extension. He’s making $18.1 million this season and will earn $19.5 million in 2026-27.
MVP Gilgeous-Alexander saves the day in season opener
Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came through when it mattered most, finishing with 35 points including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double overtime to secure the win.
This wasn’t your typical season opener. It was just the sixth time in NBA history that an opening night game needed double overtime, and the first since 2005.
SGA forced the first overtime with a short jumper that tied the game at 104 with only 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation. Houston’s Alperen Sengun couldn’t convert at the buzzer, sending the game to extra time.
The Thunder were already shorthanded before losing Caruso. They played without Jalen Williams, who made his first All-Star team last season but is still recovering from right wrist surgery performed on July 1.
Coach Mark Daigneault only said Williams is “progressing” in his recovery, with no specific return date mentioned.
The Thunder will look to build on their dramatic season-opening win when they face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night.
