Branden Carlson’s return from an ankle injury showcased his talent, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder secure a decisive 92-75 victory against the Orlando Magic, clinching a Summer League playoff spot. Carlson scored 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His performance echoed the potential the Thunder see in him, especially alongside Nikola Topic, as the two combined effectively, reminiscent of the dynamic duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

After missing five games, Carlson made an immediate impact, demonstrating his versatility as a stretch big, both shooting from distance and finishing strong in the paint. With the Thunder now at a perfect 4-0 in Las Vegas, Carlson’s role will be vital as they push for the Summer League title, especially with other key players likely sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.