Branden Carlson shines as Thunder’s postseason asset
Oklahoma City’s depth has been a hallmark of their success this season, revealing itself vividly amid the injuries that have plagued their roster. This adversity has paved the way for numerous young talents to seize their moment, showcasing their ability to contribute when it matters most. While the consistency of shotmaking from reserves remains a challenge—evident during some recent defeats—each strong performance from the bench builds a reservoir of confidence that could prove invaluable as the season progresses, especially with the playoffs on the horizon.
Emerging Talents in the Thunder’s Rotation
Ajay Mitchell has firmly carved out a spot in the rotation, consistently stepping up and becoming one of the Thunder’s pivotal players off the bench. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dieng is currently sidelined due to injury but had been on a promising stretch prior to his setback, suggesting he may soon reclaim his role and further bolster the team’s depth.
Branden Carlson’s Transformation
Amidst this backdrop, Branden Carlson has emerged as a significant contributor, providing head coach Mark Daigneault with yet another strategic option as the Thunder gear up for the stretch run. Carlson’s development from last season is striking, reflected in his impressive statistics. Averaging 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in only 10 minutes per game, he boasts an impressive shooting line—57.3% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the arc. These numbers mark a substantial improvement from the previous year, where he shot 44.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point territory.
Stepping Up When It Counts
In the last ten games, Carlson has demonstrated his readiness to take on a larger role. With Jaylin Williams injured and Isaiah Hartenstein also out, Carlson has stepped up admirably when called upon. He has scored in double figures on four occasions during this stretch, showcasing his efficiency with a remarkable shooting percentage of 65.6% from the floor and 40% from long range.
His performance on New Year’s Eve was particularly noteworthy. In nearly 20 minutes of play, Carlson contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, shooting 5-of-9 from the floor, including two three-pointers that helped stretch the floor for the Thunder.
A New Offensive Asset
Carlson’s passing ability has also seen marked improvement, positioning him as a legitimate offensive asset. His versatility allows him to act as a frontcourt spacer, providing the Thunder with a crucial option when the offense begins to stagnate. As he continues to play at this level, it’s evident that Daigneault can rely on Carlson as a key player off the bench, potentially transforming the Thunder into a more formidable postseason contender.
As the season unfolds, the synergy of this young roster, bolstered by Carlson’s recent performances, could very well become the heart of Oklahoma City’s playoff aspirations.
