Thunder Defeat Spurs 127-114 in Game 5 to Lead Series 3-2

Oklahoma City defeated San Antonio 127-114 in Game 5 on Tuesday to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals. The Thunder entered the series after losing four of five regular-season meetings to the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said after a December loss that the team needed to improve.

Gilgeous-Alexander scoring less efficiently and Jalen Williams sidelined by a hamstring injury, Oklahoma City relied on other players. 1 percent from three-point range in the series. Caruso, 32, played limited minutes during the regular season and earlier playoff rounds.

Oklahoma City finished plus-45 in his on-court time across the five games. Cason Wallace and Jared McCain also received increased minutes as the Thunder adjusted its rotation.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault increased Caruso's playing time against San Antonio. The team had previously kept his minutes under 25 in most regular-season games. The Spurs led the playoffs in player efficiency rating through Victor Wembanyama, but Oklahoma City held him in check during its three victories.

"[Caruso] is not some uber-talented 6-foot-7 guy with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and shoots lights-out," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "But he's one of the best competitors in the NBA, night in and night out.