This is why the Thunder craved Caruso — for his championship experience and obviously for his dogged defensive mentality. He’s now the first guard off the bench in most situations, and his value soared in the semifinals when he was asked to help check Nikola Jokić, of all people.

After a dominating second half in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding lead in the Western Conference Finals on Thursday with newly named Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous Alexander at the help.

The OKC Thunder secured a 118-103 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves to take a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference finals.

Anthony Edwards vowed to be more aggressive. The Minnesota Timberwolves star was held to 18 points on 13 shots in a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

Goldstein often travels from game to game, often watching different NBA series during the playoffs. See some of his best looks.