When the Oklahoma City Thunder added Alex Caruso, he was a popular pick to be a potential X-factor in the playoffs. Shuffle their 103-101 win over the LA Clippers to the top of the evidence case to how that can look on the court.

Twice Caruso was asked to face Los Angeles star Kawhi Leonard and leave him empty-handed. Twice he emerged triumphant.  “Just trying to make it difficult for him,” Caruso said of his defense on Leonard.

Fewer than 40 seconds remained when the LA Clippers crossed half-court for their final full possession of the game — with no timeouts in hand. Shai Gilgeous-Ale