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.

Branden Carlson made a dazzling return to the court as he spearheaded the OKC Thunder's victory over the Orlando Magic in their Summer League opener, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His shooting from beyond the arc (4-for-6) showcased his versatility, and he played a pivotal role in the Thunder's 92-75 win, bringing their summer league record to a perfect 3-0. Teammate Ajay Mitchell also stood out, leading all scorers with 27 points.

The game highlighted the chemistry between Carlson and Nikola Topic, who had an impressive outing with 6 assists, including two that set Carlson up for dunks. With competition heating up for the Thunder's remaining two-way contract, players like Chris Youngblood and Malevy Leons were also keen to make their mark, further intensifying the battle for roster spots. As the Thunder look to extend their Summer League success, they are already eyeing a playoff spot.

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their strong Summer League performance with a convincing 92-75 victory over the Orlando Magic, maintaining an undefeated 3-0 record. The Thunder showcased their depth, despite the absence of top players on both teams. Branden Carlson made a significant impact in his debut, contributing 23 points and seven rebounds. Ajay Mitchell led the scoring with 27 points, while Nikola Topic facilitated the offense with six assists.

The Thunder dominated the boards, outscoring the Magic in crucial moments, particularly in the second half. Their shooting was efficient, hitting 44% from the field compared to Orlando's 32%. The Thunder's ability to draw fouls was evident, as they converted 15 of 16 free throws, showcasing a disciplined offensive strategy.

The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their offensive prowess in a commanding 104-85 victory over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Summer League. Chris Youngblood led the charge with 21 points, while Jazian Gortman contributed 17 points off the bench. Nikola Topic facilitated the offense with 10 assists, demonstrating his playmaking skills. The balanced scoring was evident, with four Thunder players achieving double-digit points, highlighting the team's depth.

Brooks Barnhizer added 17 points and displayed tenacious defense, recording six steals. Gortman's explosive offensive capabilities were pivotal in snapping an early scoring slump. Head coach Connor Johnson praised the team's approach, emphasizing the importance of taking high-quality shots. The Thunder improved to 2-0 in Las Vegas, looking to maintain their momentum in their next game against Orlando.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for an exciting Summer League, marked by the return of Nikola Topic, who was drafted 12th overall in 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL. The Thunder also selected Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer in the 2025 draft, with Sorber being a consensus favorite due to his unique blend of strength and skill as a formidable defender and offensive player. Barnhizer, though not as highly touted, offers versatility with his impressive wingspan and potential to grow into a valuable asset for the team.

NBA draft expert Derek Parker shared insights on the Thunder's selections, highlighting the strategic importance of wingspan over mere height in positioning players. This approach has already shown fruits with players like Jalen Williams, who has seamlessly transitioned across multiple roles. Parker praised Sorber's physical attributes and projected him as a potential center, while he noted Topic's high basketball IQ and anticipated his pivotal role in the Thunder's offensive strategies going forward. Additionally, Jazian Gortman's early performance in the Summer League has caught attention, suggesting he could be a key player to watch as the season approaches.