In Thunder, the “assassin” Ajay Mitchell never ceases to impress

When we talked to him before the season, Ajay Mitchell showed composure and determination that allowed him to quickly establish himself in the rotation of a team that was nevertheless very dense and solid.

But the Belgian continues to skip ahead. In the absence Jalen Williams at the beginning of the season he established himself as a very credible candidate for the title of the best 6th man. last night, in Portlandhe showed that the All-Star return wasn’t necessarily a brake on his rise, as he still proved valuable to the Thunder.

He was also Oklahoma City’s leading scorer in the fourth quarter, with 11 of his 17 points in the final period. Not to mention that he also initiated a lot of attacks…

“He’s a killer”Chet Holmgren explained recently. “He’s cold as a blade. … Obviously, I don’t want anybody to get hurt, but I’m glad he got this opportunity (Jalen Williams’ injury) because he’s going to take it. We’re going to need him, and he’s going to do big things for us.”

Defensive toughness that opens up a lot of options

The absence of Shai’s lieutenant Gilgeous-Alexander thus placed even more responsibility on Ajay Mitchell, who has proven that he has the shoulders to take on the role.

“Teams will have a plan against him”assures Shai Gilgeous-Alexander about opponents. “And he’s going to have to figure out how to stay composed despite this game plan. Generally, the more weapons you have at your disposal, the better. And he has so many weapons that it doesn’t matter what you do. He’s just showing the world that game after game you can put him anywhere, in any formation.”

And then the 23-year-old also strengthened physically during the summer, which also helps him.

“It went a bit unnoticed, given the way he scores goals”explains his coach, Mark Daigneault, about Ajay Mitchell’s defense. “This has a huge impact on the way we can build groups on the pitch. He can play with almost anyone because he holds his own defensively. And that affects a player’s ability to play in the most important games of the season. He’s proving he’s up to the task in this area as well. Basically, on a physical and competitive level.”

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=igoG_iSKrsg

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.