This is why the Thunder craved Caruso — for his championship experience and obviously for his dogged defensive mentality. He’s now the first guard off the bench in most situations, and his value soared in the semifinals when he was asked to help check Nikola Jokić, of all people.

After a dominating second half in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder took a commanding lead in the Western Conference Finals on Thursday with newly named Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous Alexander at the help.

There is someone who the Oklahoma City Thunder simply cannot stop. They simultaneously send multiple players — sometimes about half the roster, it seems — to try to derail him. They surround him.

As the Oklahoma City Thunder are seven wins away from a championship, fans will be able to gather in groups for the rest of their playoff journey. Games 3 and 4 will be played on the road, but Paycom Center will remain packed.