April 23, in the tense atmosphere of the NBA playoffs, the outcome of each game may determine the fate of the team. As Los Angeles Lakers defensive stalwart Alex Caruso said: "At this point in the season, if you don't go all out, you may have to go home." In a playoff game on April 23, the Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 118-99. Caruso also accepted an interview with reporters after the game and shared his understanding and mentality of the playoffs.

As the playoffs progress, the ultimate goal of the 16 teams is only one - to win the championship. In this high-intensity, high-pressure environment, each team must show its strongest strength. Caruso said: " Now there are only 16 teams left , and in the end only one team can win the final victory of the season. Therefore, if you want to win, you must have this mentality. " He emphasized that the playoffs are not only a contest of skills and tactics, but also a comprehensive contest of mentality and fighting spirit.

He continued: " This is the ultimate contest - do your best to win. This is the standard at this time. " In Caruso's view, every playoff game is crucial, and any slackness or negligence may lead to the end of the entire season. For him, the playoffs are a stage where he goes all out and never holds back. No matter how strong the opponent is, he must maintain his best condition and strive for every victory.

In this matchup between the Thunder and the Grizzlies, Caruso came off the bench and performed extremely well. He played for 22 minutes, made 5 of 10 shots , including 3 of 6 three-pointers , and successfully scored 13 points, 4 rebounds , 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Caruso not only contributed stable scoring on the offensive end, but also showed his usual toughness and flexibility on the defensive end, helping the Lakers maintain strong competitiveness in the game.

It is worth mentioning that Caruso's plus-minus value was as high as +18 , setting a record for the game. This data not only shows his positive impact on the court, but also proves his comprehensive ability. On the defensive end, Caruso relied on his superb ball sense and agile footwork to constantly put pressure on the opponent and disrupted the Grizzlies' offensive rhythm. On the offensive end, he relied on accurate three-pointers and decisive breakthroughs to help the team effectively widen the score.

At this stage of the season, all teams are fighting for a common goal - that is to win the championship. Caruso's performance and remarks reminded all players that every game in the playoffs is full of infinite possibilities. For any team eager to win the championship, the psychological quality and fighting spirit at the critical moment are indispensable.

" What we need now is for every player to go all out and do what they should do. " Caruso said in the interview. He was not only cheering himself on, but also motivating his teammates and all the players in the playoffs to maintain the strongest fighting spirit and execution in the game.

In the playoffs, victory or defeat is often determined by a tiny margin, and any slackness may cost the team a heavy price. As one of the Lakers' defensive cores, Caruso's understanding of the playoffs and his all-out attitude undoubtedly provide a strong driving force for the team. In the next game, whether the Lakers can continue Caruso's fighting spirit and continue to attack the championship will become the focus of all fans.