OKC Thunder Anticipate Home Debut with New Acquisition Alex Caruso

The Oklahoma City Thunder are set for their home preseason debut at the Paycom Center, bringing excitement to both returning players and newcomers. The Thunder commenced their preseason with a victory, holding a 1-0 record. This upcoming match will be their first opportunity since the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals to engage with their home fans as they face the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

While many players on the Thunder roster are familiar with the enthusiastic support of their fan base, new arrivals will experience this fervent atmosphere for the first time. Among these is Alex Caruso, a notable offseason acquisition, who expressed his eagerness to play in front of Thunder fans. “Really excited to get the first home game under my belt. It’s what everyone’s preached since the trade in June, just how great the home fans are,” Caruso stated during a press conference held on Tuesday.

Caruso, an eight-year NBA veteran, joins the Thunder following a trade that sent Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls. Over his career, he has competed against the Thunder on 17 occasions, with eight of those games taking place at the Paycom Center. Despite his previous experiences at the venue, this marks his first time being on the favored side of the fans’ enthusiasm.

Regarded as one of the NBA’s elite 3-and-D players, Caruso is entering the Thunder after a career-high season. During the previous year, he averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game with a shooting accuracy of 46.8 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from three-point range. His defensive prowess earned him a second consecutive All-Defensive team nomination.

Thunder fans are expected to welcome Caruso warmly, looking forward to cheering on the guard who is anticipated to be a formidable asset for the team in the 2024-25 season.