Oklahoma City ThunderAlex Caruso thinks his decision to block a shot with his shoe probably won’t happen for 10 years after receiving a technical foul against Magic of Orlando.
Caruso’s team won 113-108 in Orlando, his mistake not costing the team too much in a close final.
The 32-year-old’s unique defensive act occurred in the second quarter when he lost his left shoe while Orlando had the ball in three-point territory.
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He retrieved his shoe and five seconds later, Tristan da Silva approached the rim before the ball slipped away.
Alex Caruso blocks a shot with his shoe. ESPN
Two loud cries of “hey” were heard as Caruso smiled.
The referee then ruled that it was a goalkeeper and a technical foul.
Oklahoma led 46-35 at the time with the three points converted.
After the match, the veteran explained that it was simply an act based on his instincts.
“I’ve never been in this situation before. And I don’t know, it came to me. I just thought I was going to block it, and honestly, I don’t know what I thought the call would be,” he told the media.
“I didn’t know it would be a goalie and technology.
“If I had known that, I probably wouldn’t have done it because it’s a three-pointer. It’s an automatic bucket, and he didn’t even put the ball over the rim.
“As soon as I had my shoe in my hand, the idea of ​​using it came to mind. Not in a malicious way, but in a way: ‘Let me try to make a play to stop the ball’.”
Caruso confirmed he has a size 13 shoe.
“There’s not much else to say. It’s just one of those weird NBA games that probably won’t happen for 10 years,” he added.
