Win respect, Thunder Caruso received special tribute from Magic Johnson after reaching the finals

Thunder's Alex Caruso received a special tribute from Magic Johnson after the Western Conference Finals

Alex Caruso led the Thunder to the NBA Finals and performed well in the Western Conference Finals, winning the tribute from Magic Johnson.

Alex Caruso returns to the most important stage in basketball, and Magic Johnson lets the whole world know this. The Magic paid tribute to the former Lakers player on social media after the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94.

"Congratulations to former Lakers and NBA champion Alex Caruso, who now plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder and will enter the NBA Finals!" The Magic posted on Channel X, focusing on Caruso's transformation from a favorite character player of Los Angeles fans to an indispensable veteran player in the NBA's youngest lineup.

This moment highlights Caruso's progress. He fought for the team as a undrafted player and finally won the championship with the Lakers in 2020. Today, he is a senior leader in Oklahoma City, helping one of the league’s youngest teams advance to the Finals for the first time in more than a decade.

In the final battle against the Timberwolves, Caruso filled the statistics table with his usual all-round style.

He scored 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals in the 24-minute game, with a plus-negative value of up to +13. The numbers may not be eye-catching, but anyone watching the game can see his impact. He is everywhere, fighting for loose balls, tight defense, and setting the tone of the game without the spotlight.

This Thunder team is full of stars. Shay Gilgers-Alexander scorer, Chet Homgren defends the inside, Jaylen Williams brings great performances, but Caruso is the real weapon for the front line. He has played here, and he knows the pressure of the playoffs and how to win.

When the Thunder traded him for Josh Gidey, some people thought it was just a deep adjustment, but Caruso turned it into a greater meaning and became a key figure in balancing youth with experience, sharpness and courage.

The Finals are next, with Oklahoma City facing the Knicks or the Pacers, but no matter who the opponent is, they will meet a team that plays fast, smart and hard-working; and Caruso fits perfectly in that style.

Magicians foresaw all this, Lakers fans have always known that now other teams in the league realize once again that Alex Caruso is still the key figure in the team, still chasing the championship, and still standing up at critical moments.