Caruso's Shoe Block Try Results in Goaltending, Tech Foul

In a bizarre twist during their 113-108 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso attempted to block a shot using his detached shoe, resulting in a goaltending call and a technical foul that awarded the Magic a three-point play.

The incident occurred in the second quarter when Caruso's left sneaker came off during live action. As Orlando forward Tristan da Silva drove to the basket for what appeared to be a layup, Caruso, holding the shoe in his right hand, swung it to swat the ball away. Officials immediately ruled it goaltending, allowing da Silva's basket to count, and assessed a technical foul for using an illegal object, per NBA rules that prohibit players from gaining an advantage with equipment. The sequence gave Orlando three points instead of the potential block.

Caruso, a 32-year-old defensive specialist known for his tenacity, finished the game with two points on 1-of-13 shooting, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a team-high plus-19 rating. Despite the modest scoring, his effort contributed to the Thunder's success. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 40...