Keeping Alex Caruso in the Bacta tank for the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder's cautious approach with the 31-year-old has paid off in the NBA playoffs. He's flipped a switch, to say the least.

The Thunder's do-it-all energizer and defensive menace has been a bigger part of the offense, and his playing time has increased accordingly in the most important games of the season.

With the series tied 2-2 and returning to OKC, the former Laker and oldest Thunder player knows he doesn’t have to be a superhero against the Indiana Pacers.

In an NBA Finals headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton, Alex Caruso and T.J. McConnell have both made plays that have swung games.

Known for creating chaos on the floor, what’s transformed Caruso into one of the great role players of this decade has been his ability to refine those skills.

He has instincts that are special,' Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said of his teammate Alex Caruso. 'I don't think you

During the mundane of a December in the NBA, months before the Thunder would face the Pacers in the NBA Finals, Alex Caruso entered the locker room flossin’.

Moments like these are why the Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Alex Caruso in the offseason. Heading into Monday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals at home against the Indiana Pacers, with the best-of-seven series tied 2-2,