Ajay Mitchell Takes Starting Role as OKC Thunder Adjust to Jalen Williams’ Injury

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2025-26 playoffs as defending champions. Forward Jalen Williams, the team’s second scoring option, suffered a left hamstring strain in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.

Thunder sweep over Suns reveals Ajay Mitchell truth NBA should be terrified of

Second-year guard Ajay Mitchell was promoted to the starting lineup for Game 3. He logged 32 minutes, posted 15 points on 5-of-20 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, dished two assists, and recorded a plus-15 plus-minus, the second-best on the team. Mitchell attempted 20 field goals, the most by any Thunder player that night.

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During the regular season Mitchell started 16 games, averaging 14.9 points, 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, with 49.4 % field-goal and 41.7 % three-point accuracy. In the playoffs his shot volume rose to an estimated 13.5 attempts per game for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren recorded 10 points on six attempts in Game 3, below his season average of 17.1 points on 11.3 attempts. The Thunder won Game 3 by double digits, extending the series lead to 3-0.

Thunder admittedly still learning how good primary Jalen Williams replacement can be

Head coach Mark Daigneault praised Mitchell’s willingness to assume a larger role, noting his “aggressive” execution and lack of hesitation. Forward Jaylin Williams said the team remains “still amazed by how good” Mitchell is. Mitchell affirmed the roster’s readiness to fill any vacancy.

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Analysts highlighted Chet Holmgren’s reduced offensive output, noting his six-shot, ten-point performance fell short of his 17.1-point, 11.3-attempt season average, raising concerns about secondary scoring depth.

Thunder admittedly still learning how good primary Jalen Williams replacement can be

One source records Mitchell’s Game 3 shooting as 5-of-20 (25 % overall), while another cites a 45 % three-point conversion, leaving his exact efficiency unclear.

Thunder sweep over Suns reveals Ajay Mitchell truth NBA should be terrified of

• “He’s obviously not shy. Winners fail and losers hide. He wasn’t hiding,” — Mark Daigneault, Thunder head coach

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• “It is one things that I love from this team. We got a bunch of guys that lean in to the competition…He is not shying away from the moment. He was aggressive and he executes.” — Mark Daigneault, Thunder head coach

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• “a lot of us are still amazed by how good he is,” — Jaylin Williams, Thunder forward

Thunder admittedly still learning how good primary Jalen Williams replacement can be

• “I had to adapt in a lot of ways and I think it really help us to come into the playoffs and have everyone ready to go,” he told reporters.” — Ajay Mitchell, Thunder guard

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• “Obviously, this sucks but I think we have a team where everyone’s ready to go and everybody is ready to fill in no matter what happens,” — Ajay Mitchell, Thunder guard

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The Thunder aim to repeat as champions, a feat not achieved since the 2018 Warriors. Jalen Williams will be re-evaluated weekly; his health could shape the team’s strategy in later rounds. Mitchell remains under contract through 2027-28 at a 1.94 % cap max.

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