The Oklahoma City Thunder saw their championship hopes jeopardized in New York. The team has suffered major injuries to key players this season. But it honestly looked like they were past that until what happened to Alex Caruso tonight. The defensive pillar suffered a painful whack to his face, but his problems didn’t end there against the New York Knicks.

It happened in the third quarter after Caruso made a play expected of him. The guard hustled for an offensive rebound and kicked it out to Jared McCain for a triple. However, Caruso couldn’t control his landing after being hit in the face with a forearm while he was mid-air.

The Thunder star crashed into the hardwood. It was clear that something was wrong almost immediately. He held his knee and gingerly walked to the locker room after the incident.

Before his exit, Caruso scored three points, four rebounds, and two steals in just 12 minutes. The Thunder star’s activity and defensive IQ have guided OKC to some gritty wins this season. However, the team soon confirmed that he had been diagnosed with a hip contusion and wouldn’t return tonight. Finishing the game without him makes things incredibly difficult for the Thunder.

Particularly, you think instantly about slowing down Jalen Brunson in the fourth quarter. The defending champions have managed to defend the Knicks’ All-Star guard well so far. Brunson has been shooting well below his efficiency standards. He still made an impact with 11 assists, though, operating the offense with precision. Having Caruso as a POA defender against Brunson would have helped the Thunder keep his scoring rhythm disrupted.

However, they will now have to rely on players like Cason Wallace and Lu Dort to play an integral role for the remainder of the game.

Injuries continue to derail Alex Caruso in Oklahoma

The Thunder front office did an impeccable job trading for Alex Caruso last season. The former Los Angeles Lakers high-flyer delivered on his winning tangibles. In his first season, OKC broke its title drought. His tireless effort, elite defensive play, and shooting threat now play a critical role in the team’s success. The only thing holding him back is injuries.

The new year hasn’t been kind to Caruso. In January, he missed six consecutive games with a right adductor strain. The two-time All-Defensive guard also recently suffered a left ankle sprain, keeping him out for a few games. But it’s not the first time.

Caruso also suffered from hip and lower-body ailments last season. Notably, in his first season with the Thunder, Caruso appeared in 54 games. That was his lowest mark since the 2021-22 season. The important thing was that he was available in the playoffs when OKC really needed him. But the timing of his current injury has sparked some doubt.

The Thunder are still crippled by injuries. Star guard Jalen Williams is not healthy yet, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to manage an abdominal strain while being eased back into action. The last thing they wanted was to lose a player who impacts winning without needing the ball. While they do have personnel to fill his role, Caruso’s experience and ability under pressure can’t be easily replicated.

Hopefully, it’s a temporary injury from the fall’s impact because the Thunder need Caruso badly during the playoffs. They are favorites to be back-to-back champions, and that becomes improbable if their defensive wall isn’t on the floor.