Fresh off a career-defining run to the NBA title, Alex Caruso traded his Thunder jersey for a Cane’s apron for a day, working a celebratory shift at a Raising Cane’s in Oklahoma City to cap off one of the most memorable weeks in franchise history.
Caruso, a veteran guard affectionately known as “The Bald Mamba,” played a pivotal role in helping the Oklahoma City Thunder secure their first-ever NBA championship, delivering an 11-point, six-rebound, three-steal, two-block performance in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103–91 to close out a remarkable postseason run for the league’s youngest team.
“This team was made up of second-round picks and free agents at the start of their careers and was pieced together meticulously,” Caruso said during the event. “This has been a full-circle moment for me. It’s going to take some time to sink in.”
The championship capped off a historic season for Oklahoma City, which won an NBA-best 68 games and earned the top seed in the Western Conference. Caruso emerged as a steady veteran presence during that run, elevating his play in the Finals with lockdown defense and timely scoring.
He became the first player in NBA history to record multiple 20-point games in a Finals series after not reaching that mark once during the regular season. His performances in Games 2 and 4 — both 20-plus point outings — helped swing momentum as the Thunder battled the equally title-hungry Pacers.
The moment also marked a return to where it all started.
Caruso began his professional career in Oklahoma City in 2016 with the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. After stints with the Lakers and Bulls, he was traded back to OKC in June 2024. In 54 games this season, he averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 44.6% shooting.
The 2016 NBA Draft was 9 years ago today
Undrafted Alex Caruso is the only 2 x Champion from this class pic.twitter.com/SUy40zs6Fn
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 23, 2025
From Parade Floats to Chicken Fingers
With the Larry O’Brien Trophy secured and the parade route complete, Caruso kept the celebration going by heading to a local Raising Cane’s to serve fans — literally. The appearance drew a crowd of more than 450 people, including his fiancée, former Big Brother star Haleigh Broucher.
He posed for photos, delivered Box Combos at the counter, and even FaceTimed Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves during the shift. Caruso embraced the fanfare with the same enthusiasm he brings to game nights.
“Oklahoma City is back,” Caruso said. “It’s been surreal driving through the city and downtown, seeing all the new things. OKC is so special – we’re turning into a big city and it’s so exciting.”
For Caruso, the event was more than just a fun appearance — it was another chapter in a journey that has come full circle. Graves called the visit a fitting way to celebrate a homegrown title.
“Alex and the team had an amazing season, and it’s been great seeing them bring home the team’s first NBA Championship for their fans and the state of Oklahoma,” Graves said. “Alex is an impressive athlete and his energy on the court is electric. I’m a fan of the Bald Mamba.”
Championship Wisdom Six Years Later
During a media session at the Cane’s location, Caruso reflected on what separates this championship from the one he won in 2020 with the Lakers.
“When I won a championship with the Lakers, I was with Hall of Famers and still trying to figure it out,” he said. “Six years later, I knew the answers to the test — and I picked it up and ran with it.”
He also credited the atmosphere of the parade, saying the energy was unmatched from start to finish.
“The parade had an overwhelming turnout — it was so loud,” Caruso said. “It was a lot of fun and great energy. The speeches were great too!”
That excitement was symbolic of how far the Thunder and their fans have come. The once-rebuilding franchise now sits atop the basketball world, and Caruso has become a key piece of that story.
Over an hour before Alex Caruso is set to participate in a @raisingcanes event in Oklahoma City, there is already a parking lot packed with Thunder fans waiting to see him. Lots of excitement after winning the championship. pic.twitter.com/PzyXU5OFVa
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) June 26, 2025
Polished by Daigneault, Embraced by OKC
Caruso spoke glowingly about his connection with Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, who also coached him during his time with the OKC Blue, and how quickly he was able to integrate into the locker room.
“It was relatively easy to adjust to the team,” he said. “I had the chance to build great relationships with the guys. On the court, we were all focused. It was a seamless transition.”
“Sharing in this accomplishment with Mark has been so sweet,” Caruso added. “I’ve gotten to watch his evolution, and it’s cool that he knows me on a deeper level than the other guys. He’s really polished me up.”
Asked what he wants his legacy to be in Oklahoma City, Caruso didn’t hesitate.
“I want people to remember the sacrifice and effort I put in. I hope that doesn’t go unnoticed,” he said. “The team has had the highest of highs and lowest of lows, and just to be able to battle through the storm is amazing. We gotta reset for the next three months and then get back to it.”
For now, Caruso is soaking in every second— not just as a champion, but as someone who helped bring a first to a city that has long waited for it.
