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One stat proves Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't Thunder's MVP vs. Spurs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
We are past Western Conference Finals Game 5, and it's time to start finding the MVP contenders of the series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama are the obvious names that come to mind, but one stat shows that it is neither of them.
ESPN analytics shows that since the start of the WCF, Caruso accounts for "Highest Total Net Points" with +27.9. The Spurs' Defensive Player of the Year follows him with +27.4. Meanwhile, this season's MVP, SGA, was down at No. 9 with +8.4, lagging behind several Knicks players and even his own teammate Cason Wallace.
It's a mind-boggling stat, but definitely not an indication of who could win the MVP when the series is over. If the Thunder are able to eliminate the Spurs in Game 6 itself, there is a good chance the MVP goes to SGA, even though he doesn't have the top ratings.
MORE: Thunder fans will love this 85.7% playoff stat after OKC takes 3-2 lead
Thunder witnesses massive improvement from Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso might have had a poor regular season, but he's turning things around when it matters most. Since the start of the postseason, the Thunder star, who averaged below 30 percent from beyond the arc, has suddenly been shooting at a 40 percent-plus clip this playoffs.
In WCF Game 5, coming off the bench, he scored 22 points, including 4-8 from the 3-point line. In Game 1 as well, he scored well off the bench with 31 points, including 8-14 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Thunder are smartly utilizing Caruso from the bench and his impact can be felt in the statsheet. Maybe he's not the MVP, but an X-factor for sure.
More NBA news:
- Victor Wembanyama goes silent after Thunder push Spurs to brink in Game 5
- Not Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Thunder’s unexpected X-factor is fueling their playoff run
- Victor Wembanyama leaves Shai Gilgeous-Alexander searching for answers
- Thunder's Alex Caruso equals Stephen Curry in massive 3-point record vs. Spurs
- Spurs & Thunder's free throw galore nearly breaks 11-year NBA Playoffs record
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