Alex Caruso roughs OKC’s ‘hit or miss’ mindset after Spurs loss

While All-Star Jaylen Williams compares San Antonio Spurs until 2023-24 Oklahoma City Thunder, Alec Caruso see a reflection of last year’s championship team. Williams’ take on the Spurs dominating the Thunder in two of three games over 12 days, it came off as pretentious, comparing the team, hot on the heels of Christmas, to the Oklahoma City team of two years ago. Caruso instead compared San Antonio to a champion.

He also called out his team, and rightfully so, as the Spurs outplayed the Thunder for the third time this season. For Caruso, it’s a testament to Spurs’ focus, which it is what are the defending champions missing?he said, following the Thunder’s 117-102 loss on Christmas Day, per BSO’s Daniel Bell.

“I think they have a very clear mission and mindset on their team, from the beginning of the year, to be a great team, and I think we had that all season last year. I think it’s been hit or miss this year,” Caruso said. “Some of it is being on top and understanding it’s the 30th game of the regular season, but some of it, you have to step up and throw your fastball against good teams to give yourself a yardstick.”

Alex Caruso on the need to match Spurs’ (or any team’s) intensity in games like this:

“I think they have a very clear mission and mindset in their team … I think we had that all season last year and this year it’s been hit or miss.” pic.twitter.com/7lIHCKSLEC2

— Daniel Bell© (@BasketballGuruD) December 25, 2025

Alex Caruso’s sense of urgency is valid, given that the Thunder meet the Spurs — a team that arrived as early contenders for the defending champions. Trailing Oklahoma City by 2.5 games in the Western Conference standings, the Spurs have proven themselves at this point, with and without a limited Victor Wembanyama, which makes them even more formidable. Outside of Wembie’s final stages of recovery from a calf injury, they are completely healthy.

Meanwhile, the Thunder will be looking to get back into the win column after a pair of losses to the Spurs, who return to Paycom Center on January 13.

Jaylen Williams compares the Spurs to a young Thunder team

Thunder All-Star Jaylen Williams reminded reporters of Spurs’ Victor Vembanyama without using his name when talking about what threw the Thunder out of his rhythm after stating the obvious. Then, when Williams broke down the Spurs’ offensive approach, recalling OKC’s 2023-24 team during his postgame media availability.

“They kind of remind me of my sophomore year. The way they play together, and they get it as a team,” Williams said. “They all do a good job in their role, and they’re fine with it, which is fun to play against. It definitely gives us a lot to learn about that. So that’s pretty cool. Obviously it sucks to be on the other end, but watching the other team — throughout the history of basketball — has always found a way to figure out how to improve.”

The Thunder will continue their four-game homestand against the 76ers on Sunday.