OKLAHOMA CITY — Since Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Game 2 of the defending champion's first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, Ajay Mitchell has started in his place. Then, Mitchell thrived in coach Mark Daigneault's starting lineup, following up a 15-point performance in Game 3 versus the Suns with a playoff career-high 20 points in Game 4's series-clinching victory.
Against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, Mitchell scored 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting. He was the third-leading scorer behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22 points) and Chet Holmgren (22 points), as the Thunder took a 2-0 lead after a 125-107 victory.
After the win, a reporter asked Mitchell if he bears the responsibility to fill a void left in Williams' absence from the Thunder's starting lineup.
“It's hard to fill those gaps. I just try to be aggressive,” Mitchell said. “As aggressive as I can be, and try to make the right play. I think as a team, we did a great job in those minutes of just kind of pushing through and trying to get that lead. Credit to the team, we did a good job.”
Mitchell also finished with six assists and three rebounds. Jalen Williams, who was initially considered week-to-week after a Grade-1 left hamstring diagnosis, will most likely miss Game 3 against the Lakers.
Mark Daigneault continues to see ‘growth' Ajay Mitchell
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Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) dribbles around Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Head coach Mark Daigneault addressed Ajay Mitchell's strides this season for the Thunder. The level of confidence exuded in Mitchell doesn't waver in the postseason, which Daigneault says is a testament to the guard's fearlessness.
“Continued growth. This is a big stage, and he doesn't blink,” Daigneault said. “He does a great job of just continuing to stay in character is probably the most impressive thing. He doesn't really press or break who he is. He plays his game. Plays aggressive, but he stays inside the team. And he did a really good job defensively.”
The Lakers will host the Thunder in Game 3 on Saturday.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Since Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Game 2 of the defending champion's first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, Ajay Mitchell has started in his place. Then, Mitchell thrived in coach Mark Daigneault's starting lineup, following up a 15-point performance in Game 3 versus the Suns with a playoff career-high 20 points in Game 4's series-clinching victory.