Alex Caruso has an attention-grabbing warning for OKC

While defending champion Oklahoma City The Thunder could be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the rematch of the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alec Caruso warns his team about brutal games. The Thunder will host the Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns before hitting the road to face the Portland Blazers and Golden State Warriors.

Caruso, who heads into Wednesday night’s match, says consistency is key for the Thunder midweek challenging the opponent at home and on the road.

“I’m just trying to continue the consistency that we started this year. Obviously, we’re off to a great start, but there are still areas for improvement,” Caruso said. “And I think some of the teams we’re going to play soon will really push us and see if we’re really committed to the things we’re talking about – which I think we are. But that’s what counts is putting in the work and getting into the games. I’m looking forward to some of those games to come.”

On a nine-game winning streak, Alex Caruso and the Thunder haven’t won a game by less than 13 points as they continue to build on their league-leading +16.9 average margin. Last year, Oklahoma City’s average margin of +11.6 was the highest in NBA history.

However, Wednesday’s matchup against All-Star Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will be the Thunder’s first since winning the series in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

Mark Daigneault reveals how the Thunder ‘maximized’ his effort

Thunder head coach Marc Daigneault sees his team maximizing their efforts in the midst of his historic 17-1 start and I’d like to see more. While reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is gunning for a back-to-back NBA Most Valuable Player crown, Daigneault sees his team’s supporting cast doing the most to keep the wins going during a near-perfect 18-game start.

“We’re in Utah the other night, and J-Will is jumping in the stands. We’re up by 30,” Daigneault said. “Isaiah Joe, I mentioned after the game the other night, he got two transition tips back – he’s like chasing the ball and passing the ball from the back. Those are great indicators for me because it’s a team that plays by standard, not by score.

“And we have to be that team if we want to maximize ourselves and be the best version of this team that we can be. And the guys did a great job of that,” Daigneault concluded.

The Thunder will look to add another win to their win column in their own NBA Cup game against the Timberwolves.