OKLAHOMA CITY — Amid the early stages of the 2026-27 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder's untimely injuries to three starters — Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Chet Holmgren — has controlled most of the narrative surrounding the team, while two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Ajay Mitchell continue to thrive as a beacon of hope. Mitchell is averaging 17.8 points on 50.5% shooting, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Gilgeous-Alexander combined for a whopping 85 points in the Thunder's most recent wins against the Cleveland Cavs this week. Mitchell has tallied 20+ points in four of Oklahoma City's previous five outings, including a career-high 30 points in a 125-114 blowout win against the Phoenix Suns last week.

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault noticed Mitchell's gains since September, of which he explained started with his physique, and has progressed onto the court, helping lead his team amidst devastating injuries to the Thunder's core.

“He's awesome, obviously. He did a great job with his body. His game continues to season. He's always been a really good player, but he's tightening up,” Daigneault said. “One of the things that the really, really good players learn is that there's going to be ups and downs in a 48-minute game. There's going to be ups and downs in a season, and you just continue to bet on your work. You continue to bet on your game. You continue to bet on your talent. I think that's one of Shai's superpowers. But it's hard for young players to do that.”

Thunder's third-year guard Ajay Mitchell, who was a second-round pick in the 2024 draft, never played a game in the G League. Mitchell proved himself as an NBA-ready product from the jump, as Daigneault has seen how his fearless approach grow into the player he is today.

“You just gotta keep betting on it and let your talent rise to the surface,” Daigneault added. “I think Ajay's taken a step there. He understands that not every quarter is going to be perfect. Not every game is going to be perfect. But he stays aggressive. He stays inside of his game. He's been very impressive with so far this season.”

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Finding the balance between not forcing his offense and not hiding is the ideal sweet spot, especially for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Thunder, who lost to of their three best scorers for the foreseeable future. And it's what has unlocked Mitchell's consistent offensive production.

“Just reading the game, seeing what's available, and just flowing with our offense,” Mitchell said after beating the Cavs. “I just try to be aggressive in every possession — offense and defense — and then, just read the game. Going out there without worrying about mistakes — just going out there to play basketball.”

The Thunder will face the Memphis Grizzlies in an NBA Cup matchup on Friday.