Alex Caruso Using His Shoe to Block a Shot Leaves Fans in Stitches – “Imagine Getting Blocked By Nike”

Two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso received a technical foul for using a shoe to block a shot.

Alex Caruso Using His Shoe to Block a Shot Leaves Fans in Stitches – “Imagine Getting Blocked By Nike”

Alex Caruso (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Alex Caruso used his shoe to block a shot during a game, resulting in a goaltending call and a technical foul.
  • The Oklahoma City Thunder won 113-108 against the Orlando Magic, extending their winning streak to nine games.
  • Caruso's unconventional play went viral, showcasing his defensive skills and creativity on the court.

It is not often the NBA world sees a shoe being used in a play during a game, but that is exactly what happened with Alex Caruso on Tuesday night. Caruso lost his shoe (not for the first time) and did something that has probably never been done before.

In the second quarter, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard lost his shoe in transition. While most players would have done the normal thing of wearing it back on, Caruso had other ideas.

As the possession went on, Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva drove into the paint for a layup. Caruso, who was carrying his shoe in his hand used it to block Silva. Following the “shoe block”, the officials got together to decide what to call on the play as they were dealing with an unusual case. In the end, Caruso was called for a goaltending and a subsequent technical foul.

It was an impressive 113-108 win for the Thunder over an in-form Magic. The win sees them extend their winning streak to nine games as they sit at the top of the Western Conference standings with a 54-15 record. Meanwhile, the Magic dropped to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 38-30 record.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his hot-scoring streak as he posted 40 points, five rebounds and four steals. While the Magic saw all five starters score double digit points, they lacked efficiency. Paolo Banchero, who has faced some criticism for not taking the next step, recorded a double double as he ended his night with 32 points and 10 rebounds.

Alex Caruso was an undrafted rookie back in the 2016 NBA draft. He joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 and helped them win a championship in 2020 in the bubble. After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2021 before being traded to the Thunder in 2024. He won his second championship last season with them.

The 32-year-old is known for his defensive prowess. He is widely regarded as one of the best and most versatile defenders in the league today. On Wednesday night, he took it to the next level.

NBA fans react to Alex Caruso’s block with a shoe

As hilarious as the play was, Caruso did get penalized for it. However, he needs to be credited for his innovation. It is not everyday the NBA community comes across plays like that.

The footage of the bizarre moment was quick to go viral across social media and the NBA world reacted in disbelief.

Most of the fans loved the play and found it hilarious. Sadly for Caruso, the blocked shot didn’t count towards the stat sheet.

Alex Caruso reflects on his shoe play

The shoe play by Alex Caruso did raise several eyebrows and is going to be popular internet content for a while. What makes the play even more unbelievable is that he got the ball. Unfortunately for him, such plays cannot be rewarded.

Alex Caruso blocking with his shoe
Alex Caruso blocking with his shoe (Image credits – Novig/X)

Alex Caruso reflected on the unique play in his post-match media scrum following the victory over the Orlando Magic.

I’ve never been in that situation before. 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. If I would’ve known that, I probably wouldn’t have done it because it’s three points. It’s an automatic bucket, and he didn’t even put the ball above the rim. As soon as I had my shoe in my hand, it crept in my mind to use it.

Alex Caruso on his shoe play

The NBA world may never see such a play again, but it was definitely worth witnessing once. Caruso recorded two points, eight rebounds and two steals in under 24 minutes from the bench. The Thunder are scheduled to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night on the second night of a back-to-back.

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