The OKC Thunder may have sat the majority of their core rotation players for Sunday's regular season finale, but there still proved to be quite a number of stand-out performers during their 115-100 win over the Pelicans.
From Aaron Wiggins's 28-point outburst to Dillon Jones's first double-double at the professional level, many individuals shined bright during game 82 down in the Big Easy.
However, perhaps the most impressive of the bunch was Branden Carlson, who put forth all-around, rock-solid efforts in all of his 38 minutes of play.
Due to starter Jaylin Williams's early-game ankle injury, the rookie was called upon to fill in as the primary pivot for the vast majority of the contest.
In turn, he would go on to have the best game of his career, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks while shooting 52.6 percent from the field.
For some, such a showing may have come as a bit of a surprise, for Carlson has found the majority of his substantial playing time come down in the G League in 2024-25 and, when he has gotten run with the varsity squad, often it's in garbage time or totals to single-digit minutes.
That said, for those who have actually watched the big man play when allotted on-court action, such a performance shouldn't be all that shocking. If anything, it's merely another reason why the Thunder should try to lock him down to a new deal this offseason.
Branden Carlson deserves to be back with the Thunder for 2025-26
Though his playing time has been rather sporadic, Branden Carlson has always showcased an ability to contribute in a positive manner.
Be it by setting screens for guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, fighting on the glass for rebounds, or spacing out beyond the arc on offense, the 25-year-old has many quality aspects to his game.
Now, though his season averages of 3.8 points, 1.7 boards, and 0.7 blocks per game won't blow anyone away, it's what he's managed to do when given extended time on the floor that has truly stood out.
In games where he's played double-digit minutes, Carlson has dropped sound averages of 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Considering his particular skill set, athleticism, his 7-foot frame, and the fact that the Thunder could use at least one more big man within their rotation (especially considering the excessive injuries this area of the roster was hit with earlier in the year), there has been a long-standing case for why the two-way rookie should be brought back on a team-friendly standard deal for 2025-26.
Sunday's performance only strengthened said case.