In an offense-leaden era of basketball, the Boston Celtics reinstalled how vital defense could prove in the conquest for an NBA title. Their record 18th title win mainly transpired because of Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown putting a fine scorer like Kyrie Irving in locks. Thus, it left Luka Doncic to fend off the rest alone. 29 other NBA teams witnessed the Boston Celtics’ tremendous success with a revamped backcourt. Likewise, with the business portion of the season in play, they seem to be learning. According to Chris Mannix, one team has already put together a similar dynamic within their group.

“I think you saw a move already yesterday when Oklahoma City acquired Alex Caruso. Now Oklahoma City has looked at the blueprint that the Celtics laid out there for how they built their team in recent years and effectively mimicked it. Like, they have got high-level talent, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of it. But everyone on that roster does a little bit of everything… Now you add Alex Caruso and if the Celtics have a great bunch of wing defenders in Jrue Holiday, Derrick White now you look at Oklahoma City with Shai, with Lu Dort, with Alex Caruso, a two-time all-defensive player. They have got a similar type of mix there,” Mannix explained on the Rich Olsen Show.

The Thunder, who finished as the joint first seed, fell short of the finalists Dallas Mavericks because they didn’t have anyone to curtail Luka Doncic or Irving. SGA and Dort were brilliant, but they need another anchoring guard who can play with the same hustle. To fill that hole, the Thunder traded for Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey, a playmaking point guard.

Caruso has been identified as one of the most promising role players available on any side. He plays with passion and an unyielding spirit in every possession. As an offensive talent, Caruso has disguised athleticism, allowing him to keep opposing guards busy near their rim. Yet his most coveted weapon is his fierce desire to defend. The former Lakers guard was named into the All-Defensive for the second straight season, which is incredible for a star who earns $9.8 million.

His inclusion into the lineup unlocks a fearsome dynamic between himself and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA was an MVP favorite after displaying ease and control on both sides of the floor. He also was in the top 3 for steals, averaging 2 per game. Caruso was right behind at 1.7. The new-looking Thunder could tear apart any Western Conference side, including the Denver Nuggets.

Why Luka Doncic and Jokic could be in trouble!

In their match against the Timberwolves, the underdog team won thanks to their relentless defense against Jamal Murray, a highly skilled scorer in one-on-one situations. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels hounded the Nuggets guard for whole games with Alexander-Walker continuing the intensity off the bench.

They limited Murray to just 18.4 points in the entire series. He only scored over 20 points in two of the seven games in the series against the Wolves. Caruso is a rabid defensive expert, just like McDaniels. What he doesn’t have in length, the 30-year-old makes up for in devotion and positioning.

Even teams such as the Dallas Mavericks need to be wary of such a team. Judging from their Finals against the Celtics, a defensively sound backcourt spelled major troubles for them, especially Irving who couldn’t exact revenge against his former franchise. In 71 regular season games, Caruso only allowed his mark to shoot 45.2%, the 20th-best amongst guards. What’s worse for Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic is that all four of the Thunder’s primary potential starters appear on this list.

This is barring the electric rim protection of wiry center Chet Holmgren who has a prototype and abilities that could rival Spurs’ hotshot Victor Wembanyama. After achieving first seed berth, do you think the Thunder will be favorites for next season like Mannix predicts? Let us know your views in the comments below.