Alex Caruso’s two-way play and defensive dominance have made him a critical X-factor in the Thunder’s push for an NBA championship.

During its 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City became the highest-scoring team in league history, eclipsing a record the Golden State Warriors held for six years.

He has seen 17 seasons of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and all of those years watching basketball, he has missed only a few games. "I've missed 11 games in 19 years, and I thank my wife for letting me do that," Waller said. He has been in his seat for nearly every single game.

Williams said he doesn’t worry about whether shots go in because his confidence comes from his complete game. He’s a willing passer and a second-team All-Defense selection.

Why Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is entering Game 5 of the NBA Finals with a unique approach against the Pacers. For Daigneault, that’s no recipe for sustained success, especially on the biggest stage — the NBA Finals — with an opportunity to push the Pacers to the brink of elimination in Game 5.

When the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, the franchise needed a new identity, but OKC Thunder wasn't always the front-runner.