Why Marc Daigneault is “not surprised” by the unlikely breakthrough

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder reserve Ajay Mitchell gave his team a huge jump off the bench in the exciting 125-124 double overtime win against the Houston Rocketswhich did not surprise the head coach Mark Daigneault. With All-Stars Jaylen Williams (wrist surgery) and Isaiah Joe (knee) out, Mitchell understood his assignment in the Thunder’s season opener, leading Oklahoma City’s second unit with 16 points, including three 3-pointers in 15 minutes.

Daigneault saw the opportunity for the second-round pick to find his offensive rhythm in his second-year debut with the Thunder, and Mitchell didn’t disappoint in Tuesday’s one-point win.

“I’m not surprised. He played like this before he got hurt last year. So we knew what we had with him,” Daigneault said. “He did a great job over the summer with his body and he came into training camp injury-free, and he did really well. This was his first game action since a few games ago in the preseason. So he came in with confidence and aggression, and we’re going to need that from him. But nobody was surprised by how he played.”

After an injury-plagued 2025 that began with a toe injury in January and was followed by a sprained ankle during the preseason, Mitchell will take on an increased role amid the absences of Williams and Joe at the start of the regular season. He averaged 6.5 points on 49.5/38.3/82.9 shooting as a 3-and-D prospect with some playmaking ability.

Mitchell finished the night 6-of-12 from the floor, including 3-of-6 from deep, with two rebounds, two assists and one block in 15 minutes.

Ajay Mitchell settled down midway through the Thunder’s second season

With Thunder All Star Jalen Williams is recovering from surgery and Isaiah Joe, head coach Mark Daigneault confidently turned to Ajay Mitchell for secondary production behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace and Lou Dort. Entering the second season, Mitchell admits he feels more secure in his role with Grom.

“You get more comfortable, especially after a year, and you just know everybody; you get more comfortable,” Mitchell said. “Going into the season not letting up, being aggressive from the start, and then the trust I have from my teammates and coaches. I’m just taking it all in. It’s been like that since day one of my rookie season. So it’s amazing to see him grow and grow. I’m really excited for this year.”

The Thunder will travel to face the Pacers in a rematch of the Finals on Thursday.