OKC lost another key player in the rotation amid a flurry of injuries

Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Ajayi Mitchell was on pace to surpass his career high with 28 points in a 122-102 win against the Milwaukee Bucks before an injury derailed a career night as he was up 11 points at halftime. His 18 points kept the Bucks at bay in the first half earlier The Thunder’s Mitchell suffered a strained stomach injury in the third quarter, ending his night.

Starting with All-Star Jalen Williams, Mitchell caught fire, going 8-12 from the floor and finishing with three rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes. He also defends at a high level, earning playing time in his rookie season as the second-round pick made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor. This season, Ajayi has evolved from a third-string quarterback to a coach Mark Daigneault‘s go-to options in the backfield.

Mitchell’s versatility on both ends of the floor gives Daign the flexibility to facilitate the sophomore guard in a variety of lineups. In 2025-26, Mitchell has returned as an improved playmaker who can create his own offense, an aspect of his game that continues to improve.

From an impressive showing at the Las Vegas Summer League to averaging 14.1 points on 48.7/35.0/87.0 shooting, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 43 games this season, Mitchell has been on the Oklahoma City bench. After the Thunder’s win against the Bucks, Daigneault reflected on Mitchell trip mid 2025-26so far, as a second-year quarterback with a bright future in Oklahoma City.

“He’s obviously a really strong player,” Daigneault said. “I think one of the things that makes him uniquely good for this team is that he can create and he can carry a little load on offense. And he can also adapt and play well off other players. It’s very, very difficult for a young player coming out the way he is to be able to thread that needle in the offense.

“Usually there’s a tendency to be passive or too aggressive in that situation, and he’s just found a beautiful balance this season. He’s done a great job. He’s a big part of what we do.”

Mitchell’s first injury in the NBA happened last season when in January of the 2024-25 season. Mitchell was sidelined for up to 12 weeks, which Dayno believes helped his rookie better learn the Thunder’s approach from a different point of view.

The extended injury schedule gave Mitchell a new perspective ahead of the Thunder’s postseason championship, which was an educational experience for his young prospect, Daigneault said.

“The injury last year — it allowed him to work on his body a little bit, first, because it didn’t stop him from hitting the gym,” Daigneault added. “And he did a great job with that over the summer. Having miles under him, when he gets hurt, it always contextualizes what a player sees when he’s watching from the sidelines. Then, in the playoffs, he had two and a half months of practice.”

“He was just one circumstance away from being in the game. We still threw him a couple of games. But he was a few minutes away from actually being in the game. He wasn’t a scout team player in the playoffs. He had all the preparations. We kept making sure he was physically and mentally ready, if his number was called, and I thought it was probably a good experience,” he concluded.

Amid Ajay Mitchell’s expanded role with the Thunder, he will undoubtedly be on the floor instead of watching from the sidelines in this year’s postseason run. However, regular season reps are important, especially for a defending champion Thunder team that has dealt with injuries to vital players all season.

From All-Star Jaylen Williams missing the first 19 games of the season to Isaiah Hartenstein’s suspension over the past three weeks, the Thunder’s starting lineup has only played a handful of games together, and that won’t change anytime soon. Williams’ strained right hamstring will keep him out for at least the next few weeks, and Hartenstein, who is recovering from a right calf injury, has yet to be cleared for 5-on-5.

Ajay Mitchell’s growth is key for the Thunder

Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams’ latest setback adds to a frustrating season filled with numerous setbacks for the All-NBA forward. Williams’ struggles to stay healthy have given extra opportunities to guys like starter Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell, who has earned the trust of coach Mark Dano as a part-time starter who can finish games.

Without Williams and Mitchell, the Thunder lose two of the few players who can create an offense on their own. While Aaron Wiggins has had a chance some nights and Isaiah Joe has followed him on nights when his 3-point shooting can’t miss, they’re mostly designed as a rebounding supporting cast, while Mithcell has the potential to be steady. 20 point scorer one day.

“The more I’m exposed to different posts, the more I learn,” Mitchell said after the Thunder’s 136-104 victory over the Cavs. “I can definitely feel the difference if I just know what the coverage is going to be, know what to do when it’s coverage. It’s a great learning experience for me. I’m glad to be exposed to all that in my second year.”

While Mitchell recovers from an abdominal injury, the Thunder return home for a three-game stretch against the Pacers, Raptors and Pelicans from Friday through next Tuesday at the Paycom Center.