Alex Caruso’s Game-Changing Block Ignites Streak-Hunting Madness!
One of the most bizarre moments of the NBA season occurred on Tuesday night when Alex Caruso of the Thunder made a desperate play on the ball — with his shoe. Alex Caruso with an interesting method of defense pic. twitter.
com/ru2Yj3GLne — The Magic Way (@MagicFilmRoom) March 17, 2026 This was one of those brain-fart moments, as Caruso later told The Oklahoman . His shoe came off during the defensive play, and he was holding it in his hand waiting to put it back on — but when Tristan Da Silva came driving the lane towards without opposition, he made a lunge at the ball, which just so happened to be with his hand holding the shoe. Caruso knew he was holding his shoe, but just wanted to make a stop.
“As soon as I had my shoe in my hand, it crept in my mind to use it. Not like in a malicious way, but like, ‘Let me try to make a play to stop the ball. ’ It’s just one of those weird NBA plays that probably won’t happen for like another 10 years.
” If you’re wondering whether or not it’s legal to swat the ball away with a shoe: No, absolutely not. Caruso was hit with a technical foul for an illegal defensive move, and the shot attempt was ruled as goaltending. Believe it or not, the NBA does not have specific rules for blocking a shot with a shoe.
I think Caruso is being generous when he says this play “probably won’t happen for another 10 years,” because I don’t think we’re going to see the shoe block ever again.