The Oklahoma City Thunder needed all the firepower in a trailing battle against the Miami Heat. And as the fight continues, the Thunder will have to do so without an important component. Alex Caruso’s hounding defense has been a critical part of OKC’s team schemes. However, an injury will keep him out for the remainder of tonight’s contest.

The former Lakers guard did participate in the first half when the Thunder trailed by double digits. He wasn’t able to be an attacking threat. But as it turns out there might be a return. Early in the third quarter, Alex Caruso exited the game with what is described as hip tightness. And the injury will keep him out for the remainder of the night according to Underdog.

The 30-year-old had only scored 2 points with 2 assists in tonight’s contests having played 12 minutes. However, over the past three games, Caruso was a focal bench contributor for OKC. He had scored in double-digits in each of those games. Furthermore, his defensive tenacity is a major reason the Thunder have the best record in the NBA.

Alex Caruso has had some rotten luck in terms of injuries this season. Earlier in January, he suffered an ankle sprain that kept him out for four games. Prior to that, he suffered from some nagging hip injuries that kept him sidelined for nearly 15 games this season. Luckily, even without his effort on the floor, Oklahoma City managed to stun the Heat.

All it takes is one run for OKC

After a horror second quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder trailed by 14 for the majority of the night when facing the Miami Heat. But one of the things that makes them dangerous is their ability to catch momentum. And once they do, it’s not just scoring points that they do fluently. Tonight, Vice City fell victim to it.

Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30-point night, the NBA’s top seed went on a 20-3 run from the end of the third to start the fourth to cut the lead to four. However, in the final quarter, the y scored 21 unanswered points to turn the game around. Then they added insult to injury.

OKC held the Miami Heat to just 8 points in the fourth quarter. It’s the lowest points the Heat have managed to score in any quarter this season. Bam Adebayo was a standout performer for the Heat compiling a 27 points and 15 rebounds double-double performance. It looked to be one of the team’s best performances this season for three quarters.

But the Thunder outscoring them 63-38 in the second half stung the Heat tonight. The thrilling contest ended with OKC winning by 14 points. And their victory cam almost entirely due to a spotless second half, led by their All-Star backcourt and help from the second unit. What did you think of this game? Let us know your views in the comments below.