Mark Daigneault drops a truth bomb on Stephen Curry, Jonathan Cumminga’s incarceration

OKLAHOMA CITY — In the midst of a historic night for Chet Holmgren in a 126-101 victory against the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault talked about defending his team’s work Stephen Curry and Jonathan Cumminga. The All-Star guard finished with 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 1-for-5 from deep, while the Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell stepped into vital defensive duties, alternating between the two.

While it wasn’t the first time Mitchell, who started for the Thunder against the Warriors, had to defend Curry, Tuesday’s win was different. While the 2024 second-round pick continues to make his presence felt during an extended role, Daigneault praised Mitchell for adjusting.

“It’s a hardcover and they’re especially tough when you haven’t seen it at full speed before,” Daigneault said. “He’s played against him before, but not as many minutes. That’s the way it was with him. We know he’s good, but what we didn’t know was how confident he would be. How easily he’ll be able to fit on both ends of the floor, and what he’s doing defensively, it’s very impressive right now.”

However, Mitchell didn’t start the night guarding Curry, as Dayno notes; he started the night defending the 6-foot-6 Kuminga.

“He had very, very heavy coverage. Tonight, that team is heavy coverage,” Daigneault added. “He’s guarding Cummings to start the game, which is losing a ton of size, and he just didn’t flinch at anything. He was impressive. We’re going to need him to continue to grow.”

Mitchell finished with 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including 2-for-4 from deep, 3-for-4 from the free throw line, three rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal. Mitchell, who averaged 6.5 points per game in his rookie season, scored in double figures in 11 of 12 games and finished with at least one steal or block in each of his appearances this season.

How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inspires Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell

Thunder Keeper Ajay Mitchell revealed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inspires him throughout his approach by leading example. When a reporter asked Mitchell how much Gilgeous-Alexander influenced him during his second season with the Thunder, he didn’t spare a second in his response.

“A lot,” Mitchell replied. “The first thing is just seeing his work ethic. Every day, he’s the first guy in the gym and/the last guy out. He’s a good leader. So it’s been great to see him work and, obviously, to see the results on the field.”

The Thunder will host the Lakers at the Pike Center on Wednesday.