Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell ruled out for Game 4 vs. Spurs due to calf injury

If the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, legions of NBA fans will anoint them the two-time reigning champions. OKC will not and should not declare such an outcome, but it will regain the aura of invincibility that some people thought was fading following an overtime loss in Game 1. Injuries can always disrupt plans, however. Ajay Mitchell has already been ruled out for Sunday’s clash, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Shortly after committing a flagrant foul on Stephon Castle and getting into a scuffle with Devin Vassell in the second half, the 23-year-old guard exited Friday’s 123-108 road win with a right calf strain. Although the Thunder are deep, they could miss his contributions.

Mitchell should not just be dismissed as a role player. He demonstrated the ability to be a primary scoring option during the OKC’s conference semifinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 38 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft averaged 22.5 points on 56.3 percent shooting in those four games. Since Jalen Williams is dealing with his own injury problems, the young Belgian’s absence could loom even larger.

Mitchell has struggled with his shooting stroke versus the Spurs, scoring 5.3 points on a 38.9 field goal percentage in the series’ first three games, but he can pose a threat without warning. A profusion of firepower, which this talent has helped provide, is one of the biggest reasons why the Thunder are favored to retain the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

An inactive Ajay Mitchell forces head coach Mark Daigneault to turn to the next man up. Whoever is assigned that responsibility must be ready to meet the moment in Game 4.

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