Thunder's Alex Caruso gets technical foul for blocking shot with shoe

Caruso says he's never been in that situation before and didn't know it would result in a technical foul.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:37am

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso, known as one of the league's best defenders, went viral for blocking a shot by swinging his shoe at the ball. This led to Caruso being assessed a technical foul, which he says he's never experienced before and didn't realize would be the result of using his shoe to make a play.

Why it matters

Caruso is respected for his physical defensive play, but this incident shows there are limits to what referees will allow, even from one of the league's top stoppers. It's a lesson for Caruso on where the line is drawn when it comes to unorthodox defensive tactics.

The details

In the Thunder's latest victory, Caruso blocked a shot by swinging his shoe at the ball, which naturally led to him being assessed a technical foul. Caruso said he's never been in that situation before and didn't know it would result in a technical, as he was just trying to make a play to stop the ball.

  • The incident occurred during the Thunder's game on Tuesday night.

The players

Alex Caruso

An Oklahoma City Thunder guard known as one of the league's best defensive players.

Lu Dort

Caruso's defensive teammate on the Thunder, forming a feared perimeter defensive duo.

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What they’re saying

“I've never been in that situation before. And, I don't know, it came to me. I just thought I was gonna block it, and I honestly don't know what I thought the call would be. I didn't know it was going to be a goaltending and a tech.”

— Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder guard (Sporting News)

What’s next

Caruso will likely face increased scrutiny from referees moving forward after this unorthodox play, as they may be less tolerant of his physical defensive tactics.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the fine line NBA players must walk when it comes to physical defense, as even one of the league's best stoppers can cross a line and be penalized, even if unintentionally.