Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso sustained a concussion during Tuesday’s season opener against the Houston Rockets and has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol, the team announced Wednesday.
Caruso logged 30 minutes in the 125-124 double-overtime win, finishing with eight points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals off the bench.
Under the NBA’s Concussion Policy, Caruso now begins the league’s return-to-participation process, a multi-step progression that includes rest, monitored exertion and medical clearance. Players must be symptom-free at each phase before advancing, and there is no set timetable for completion, as recovery can vary from case to case.
Caruso, 31, was limited to 54 regular-season games last year due to various injuries but played a key role in the Thunder’s postseason run once healthy. He averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals for Oklahoma City last season.
For his career, Caruso has averaged 6.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals across 418 games (133 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers (2017-2021), Chicago Bulls (2022-2024) and Thunder.
His availability for Thursday night’s NBA Finals rematch in Indiana against the Pacers is uncertain, pending his progress through the protocol.
