The Oklahoma City Thunder is enjoying one of the best seasons in NBA history. It is no secret that they have fielded multiple lineups, each with impressive results. Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace have been integrated into those lineups, and they are making a big impact. Elite defense has been a staple for OKC’s success so far in the playoffs, but how does the Caruso-Wallace combo benefit the Thunder overall?
Over the years, we have seen Oklahoma City deploy defensive-minded guards on its roster. From Thabo Sefolosha, Kevin Martin, Andre Roberson, and now Luguentz Dort – it has been a tradition. But with Wallace added in 2023 and Caruso acquired this offseason, along with Dort, this has reached another level.
Cookies and Cream: The Caruso-Wallace Combo is Great for OKC
Caruso’s Impact Beyond the Numbers
In the aftermath of the Josh Giddey trade, many fans are quick to say that Chicago won the trade. Given how Giddey has performed above and beyond his numbers in OKC, it does seem that way. However, the impact of Caruso can be understated and is often overlooked by many analysts. That has been the case for most of the 2024-25 NBA season until the playoffs came.
While Caruso’s numbers aren’t typically flashy, he made his presence felt in Game 1 of the 2025 West Semis against the Denver Nuggets. He scored 20 points off the bench, along with six assists, five steals, and two blocks on 58.3% shooting. It is rare for him to have a huge scoring night, but he is impacting both ends of the floor.
Alex Caruso in the 2025 NBA playoffs:
#1 in deflections per game (4.5)
#3 in steals per game (2.3)He’s been historically disruptive on defense this postseason. He’s only averaging 19.8 minutes per game!!! https://t.co/aOsJgHylfE
— Sam Schwartz (@samschwartz71) May 8, 2025
Perhaps his worth was seen more in the first round against the Memphis Grizzlies, as he played a huge role in closing out the series. Caruso was not only scoring key baskets, but was putting his body on the line as well. He is diving for loose balls, hustling on the passing lanes, and even bringing the key defensive stops. All of these aren’t usually quantifiable in numbers, but he is leaving his mark on OKC’s overall success.
Wallace: A Steal in the 2023 Draft
Initially, the Dallas Mavericks selected Cason Wallace with the tenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, Thunder GM Sam Presti is already on the prowl at that time, and sought to acquire him. Eventually, the Mavs went on to trade him along with Dāvis Bertāns in exchange for OKC’s 12th overall pick, which ended up as Dereck Lively II.
There have been multiple discussions about why OKC would let go of such a big man that could have helped with the Thunder’s run last year. But as it turns out, Wallace is a huge steal for OKC as the Kentucky product has impressed well so far. The 2025 playoffs are proving ground, and he continues to improve, cementing his place as one of the Thunder’s premier defenders.
Cannot express enough the impact that Cason Wallace has on this team.
He’s one of the top defenders on this Thunder squad, and he also adds this sweet three-ball to his game as well.
— SleeperThunder (@SleeperThunder) May 9, 2025
Averaging 4.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in the 2025 playoffs, Wallace is also a menace on the defensive end. The sophomore guard is supplanting both Dort and Caruso when needed. In fact, Wallace has finished with at least one steal in the 2025 playoffs in five out of six games. This isn’t enough to cover all the impact he’s making on the floor.
The Rise of the Caruso-Wallace Combo
The Caruso-Wallace combo is starting to be a huge staple not just in the lineup for OKC. It is also earning the praise of both fans and analysts alike. The further success of the duo as the Thunder’s defensive menaces has even earned them the nickname “Cookies and Cream.” Caruso has established his reputation as one of the league’s best defenders, but this benefits Wallace even more. The young Thunder guard gets to hone his defensive expertise at an earlier time.
COOKIES AND CREAM
I LOVE YOU FOREVER pic.twitter.com/FKZCNAvGKU
— ThunderChets (@ThunderChats) April 23, 2025
All signs point toward OKC seeing more of the dynamic duo of Caruso and Wallace. When they are on the court together, the Thunder have an absurd 36.8 net rating and 91.1 defensive rating. After all, the Thunder finished the 2024-25 season with the best defensive rating in the NBA, which has held true in the playoffs. If you are not impressed, they also lead the league in blocks (7.7) and steals (11.2) per game in the playoffs.
So the next time you see Dort, take a seat on the bench, watch out for the Caruso-Wallace combo. Because when the Cookies and Cream check in, all hell breaks loose for OKC.
Featured image: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
