Thunder big just tied Victor Wembanyama with elite feat (and it's not who you think)

Branden Carlson matched one of Wembanyama's sensational stat lines in the Thunder's season finale.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player's movements broken down into sharp, geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, orange, and white tones.Branden Carlson's versatile stat line puts him in elite company with Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.Oklahoma City Today

In the OKC Thunder's season finale against the Phoenix Suns, second-year center Branden Carlson posted an impressive stat line of 26 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. This made Carlson just the second player this season to record at least 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 made 3-pointers in a single game, with the other being NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama.

Why it matters

Carlson's performance highlights his potential as a versatile big man and valuable asset for the Thunder, who have utilized their G League team to develop young talent like Carlson on team-friendly contracts. This further cements Carlson as one of the league's best bargain contracts.

The details

In the Thunder's 135-103 loss to the Suns, Carlson put up a stat line of 26 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from 3-point range. This matched a feat accomplished earlier this season by NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks with 6 made 3-pointers in a game for the Spurs.

  • Carlson's performance came in the Thunder's season finale on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Wembanyama's similar stat line occurred in a November 2025 game against the Bulls.

The players

Branden Carlson

A second-year center for the OKC Thunder who has proven to be a valuable young prospect on a team-friendly contract.

Victor Wembanyama

A highly touted NBA prospect who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

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What they’re saying

“Carlson is a heck of a player.”

— Chet Holmgren, Thunder All-Star

What’s next

The Thunder will look to continue developing Carlson and other young talent as they aim to build a contending roster around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The takeaway

Branden Carlson's impressive performance in the Thunder's season finale, matching a rare stat line achieved by top prospect Victor Wembanyama, further cements him as one of the league's best bargain contracts and a valuable young piece for the Thunder's future.