3 players who could be X-factors for OKC Thunder in NBA Cup final feat. Alex Caruso

The OKC Thunder take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Tuesday's Emirates NBA Cup final in Las Vegas. While the Thunder are rolling defensively, they could face difficulty slowing down Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

OKC (20-5) enters the in-season tournament's finale riding a five-game winning streak. It boasts the NBA's No. 1 defensive rating (103.1) and No. 8 offensive rating (115.2), making it one of the league's most well-rounded squads.

Superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level play has spearheaded the Thunder, with third-year wing Jalen Williams appearing poised for his first All-Star selection. The duo is averaging a combined 52.0 points per game.

However, Antetokounmpo is leading the NBA in scoring, averaging a career-best 32.7 ppg on 61.4% shooting, along with 11.5 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, the Bucks (14-11) have won three straight contests and 12 of their last 15 after their slow start to the season.

So, it will likely take a collective effort from OKC to cap off the second annual NBA Cup with a championship. On that note, here are three Thunder players who could be X-factors in the decisive showdown.

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3 potential NBA Cup final X-factors for OKC Thunder

#3 Alex Caruso

OKC Thunder guard Alex Caruso (Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)

OKC acquired veteran guard Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls over the offseason for his infectious defensive energy and hustle plays. He has provided just that this season, leading the Thunder's regular rotation players in on-court defensive rating at 96.1 versus 104.4 when he is off the floor.

Caruso should have his hands full against Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard, who is averaging 25.7 ppg, 7.5 assists and 3.5 3-pointers per game. So, his hounding defense, including his 2.4 combined steals and blocks a night, could be critical to OKC's chances.

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#2 Luguentz Dort

OKC Thunder wing Luguentz Dort (Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images)

Another elite defensive player, wing Luguentz Dort has been key to the Thunder's NBA Cup final run. Dort is regularly tasked with defending opposing squads' top players. That includes Dallas Mavericks superstar guard Luka Doncic, whom he limited to 16 points in the quarterfinals.

Dort should have another tough defensive assignment against Milwaukee. He could alternate between guarding Lillard, Antetokounmpo and veteran wing Khris Middleton.

The sixth-year player's complementary scoring could also be a bonus for OKC. He is coming off a 19-point performance with five triples in Saturday's 111-96 semifinal victory over the Houston Rockets.

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#1 Isaiah Hartenstein

OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

With rising star big man Chet Holmgren (hip) sidelined, center Isaiah Hartenstein's rebounding and rim protection have been of increased importance. He should have a lot on his plate Tuesday, manning the paint against Antetokounmpo.

However, the seventh-year big man has lived up to expectations and then some, averaging 12.5 ppg, 12.3 rpg and 1.2 bpg, shooting 57.9%. So, he should have another prime opportunity to prove he is deserving of the three-year, $87 million deal the Thunder awarded him over the offseason.

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