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With their season on the line, the Phoenix Suns were determined to run their offense through Grayson Allen. Poetically enough, a lack of a true playmaker returned to bite them in an elimination game. Alex Caruso sniffed out the possessions and racked up four steals in two minutes.
Caruso previewed what he could do in the playoffs during the Thunder's final back-to-back of the season. He tallied eight steals in two wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Suns. Disruptive third-quarter stretches swung both games in the Thunder's favor. Like a relief pitcher on a September scoreless inning streak, the 31-year-old has played his best basketball with the playoffs around the corner.
It was the 31-year-old's last two games of the regular season. Like the rest of the Thunder's best players, Caruso sat out the final two games. His basic stats might be down across the board this season, but that was strategized as OKC hopes to see him primed and ready for the playoffs.
Expect Caruso's importance to be multiplied tenfold in the playoffs. It's why he was brought over from the Chicago Bulls this past offseason. The Thunder coasted through the regular season with the 31-year-old to keep his legs fresh for the postseason. Now that we're here, he's since his role uptick in recent weeks for preparation.
Caruso's two third-quarter stretches against the Lakers and Suns can easily translate to the playoffs. That's especially true with him playing a free safety role behind the NBA's best defense. Unlike in previous spots, he won't be shouldering most of the defensive QB role and can play more freely.
Combine that with his outside shooting, there's a strong chance Caruso swings a playoff game in the Thunder's favor. He's that impactful of a defender and an advanced analytics darling for a reason.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Expect Alex Caruso to play a big role in OKC Thunder's playoff run
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