We all know that the brightest lights of the NBA Finals are shining on both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton. However, Alex Caruso is making waves on the biggest stage of his career. That begs the question: can he be the first NBA Finals MVP off the bench? As the series unfolds, the backup guard may end up winning the award if he continues to play well. At this point, nothing is impossible, and it does seem that Caruso has a shot to prove his worth.
Caruso won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, so maybe it is time for another award. After all, the Oklahoma City Thunder are pacing for its first title since moving to Oklahoma. So why not add another first in the history with a bench player as the NBA Finals MVP?
NBA Finals MVP: Can This Thunder Bench Player Win?
All things considered, it does seem that it may be possible—at least at a slim chance. But Caruso has the tools, the impact, and the winning experience to have the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy in his hands.
The Carushow Unleashed
Caruso has been phenomenal in the 2025 playoffs, and the impact he has for the Thunder has led them to stunning victories. From fueling that sweeping finish in Memphis, taking on the Nikola Jokic assignment, and then wreaking havoc against Minnesota, it has been a postseason to remember. For what it’s worth, the Bald Mamba has been quite phenomenal. First off, he is averaging just 9.6 points 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on 18 minutes per game. That does not tell the whole story, however. We have seen how AC has managed to put up chaotic performances: disrupting opposing teams and creating opportunities for OKC.
This is certainly the impact that a lot of fans are talking about. In just two games of the NBA Finals, Caruso has put up averages of 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. If Oklahoma City is going to bring home the chip this time, they will need more of his chaotic games. After all, the fact that he is coming off the bench says a lot about his value.
Fun Fact: Alex Caruso, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton have scored the same number of points (31) this Finals. pic.twitter.com/0OAKDlzM4e
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 9, 2025
The reality that Caruso has the same total points as Haliburton is bewildering. It puts Caruso in a bigger and better spotlight now more than ever. And winning Finals MVP may be the best he’s going to get this year if this continues.
Two-Way Beast Deserves Some Spotlight
Sure, Luguentz Dort gets the brunt of the defensive assignment on each opposing team’s star. Caruso, however, is taking that same task—a difficult one—when he enters the fray. As part of the destructive defensive combo with Cason Wallace, AC is certainly making his presence felt. It is no surprise that he has been a great performer in these Finals. Now, don’t blink, Caruso is also one of the top five players among NBA Finals MVP discussions. That proves that no matter how small his impact is, it is vital to winning this series for the Thunder.
Caruso has taken a massive leap in these playoffs. While he has already carved his name in the game, it is safe to say that he still offers big performances for OKC. He was primarily one of the players who was always ignored by opponents on offense. This postseason? Players go to lengths just to close out on him, and his shooting has become more prominent.
Because of his extended minutes, AC is getting more touches on the offensive end as well. In fact, he has shot an impressive 41.6% from three on 4.3 attempts per game. That is a good note considering that he’s become more consistent when it matters most. Defensively, Caruso accounts for a massive chunk of the Thunder’s steals whenever he is on the floor. Despite being a role player, it seems the Bald Mamba offers more than just a meager role presence for OKC.
Beating the Role Player Stereotype
We all know that most NBA Finals MVP winners are the stars and co-stars, but rarely the role players. In fact, Andre Iguodala was the last player off the bench to win the award back in 2015. That was when he averaged 16.3 points, 4.0 assists and 5.8 rebounds as the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. But most of all, Iguodala was tasked with guarding one of the best players the league has seen in LeBron James.
When you look at those stats, it does appear similar to Caruso’s current numbers. That just means there is indeed a shot for Caruso to win Finals MVP as well. His Game 2 outburst of 20 points matches his highest single-game total in a Finals. He was instrumental in OKC’s bounce-back win. Caruso’s solid shooting from deep at 41.7% in this series has allowed him to stay longer on Mark Daigneault’s rotation as well.
With that in mind, it is easy to say that he indeed has a shot at winning it. Caruso is getting starter minutes, and if his current level of play continues, he just might be able to win the NBA Finals MVP award. That is, however, still a big what-if, especially with SGA playing at his absolute best right now.
The Caruso Finals MVP Loading?
Suffice to say, OKC doesn’t become the top-rated defense it is if Caruso isn’t on the team. Heck, one can even say that the Thunder won’t be in the Finals if it wasn’t for him. It is not easy, however, to give a prestigious award like the NBA Finals MVP to a role player. But if Caruso continues to shine and help deliver winning plays for OKC, then we don’t see any valid reason why he shouldn’t.
If it comes to a voting tie, would there be a chance that two NBA Finals MVP winners are named? That remains to be seen yet.
© NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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