Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Praises Ajay Mitchell's Rise as Thunder Stay Perfect

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their undefeated start to 5-0 with a hard-fought 107-101 victory over the Sacramento Kings, thanks in part to a standout performance by third-string rookie Ajay Mitchell. Mitchell’s 18 points, including seven crucial points in the fourth quarter, helped the Thunder erase a 10-point deficit and close out the game with a 17-4 run. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who also contributed heavily to the win, highlighted Mitchell’s growth and competitive spirit as key factors behind his success this season.

Mitchell’s role has expanded significantly in the early part of the 2025-26 season, with starting guard Jalen Williams sidelined by injury. Gilgeous-Alexander praised Mitchell for stepping up, describing him as a competitor with the tools and mentality needed to thrive. Despite the absence of key players like Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have managed to maintain their perfect record, exemplifying their “next-man-up” mentality.

As Mitchell continues to make an impact, Gilgeous-Alexander sees him as a versatile player who can fit into any lineup, contributing both as a scorer and a ball-handler. The Thunder’s strong start, despite key injuries, underscores the team’s depth and resilience, proving they can still compete at a high level. Looking ahead, the Thunder will aim to keep their momentum going with a home matchup against the Washington Wizards.

In addition to Mitchell, Gilgeous-Alexander continued his strong play, helping keep the game close when the team faced a free-throw shooting disparity. This win further proved that, even without some of their top players, the Thunder can rely on their depth and grit to secure victories. As the season continues, the team is poised to build on their strong start, with Mitchell’s development being one of the key storylines to follow.

1. Ajay Mitchell’s Breakout Performance

Ajay Mitchell’s emergence as a key contributor for the Thunder has been a pleasant surprise early in the season. With Jalen Williams out due to injury, Mitchell has been thrust into a larger role, and he’s responded well. The 18 points he scored against the Kings, including a critical seven in the fourth quarter, were pivotal in the Thunder’s comeback. His scoring and playmaking off the bench provided the Thunder with the spark they needed to recover from a 10-point deficit. Mitchell’s performance has not only showcased his scoring ability but also his overall basketball IQ and poise in high-pressure moments. With Gilgeous-Alexander often drawing attention, Mitchell has stepped in as a secondary ball-handler, helping to manage the offense and alleviate some of the pressure on the team’s All-Star guard. His ability to step up in big games against tough competition has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaching staff. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander commended Mitchell for his competitiveness and work ethic, saying it was clear from the start of the season that Mitchell was determined to carve out a role. “He competes and wants to go out there and play,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He’s been huge in some really big games against really good teams, and it’s no surprise that he’s shown up in those moments.” This recognition highlights the trust the team has in Mitchell and his importance to their success early on. As the season progresses, Mitchell will continue to be a key piece in the Thunder’s rotation, especially with Williams’ return still uncertain. His ability to contribute in multiple ways makes him an invaluable asset to a team already stacked with talent.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s Resilience

Despite facing multiple injuries to key players, including All-Star Jalen Williams and other important contributors, the Thunder have shown remarkable resilience in their first five games. Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been a driving force for the team, credited the team’s “next-man-up” mentality for their undefeated start. Even with players sidelined, the Thunder have managed to win tough games, including the win over the Kings, where they had to overcome mental lapses and a free-throw disparity. The team’s ability to fight through adversity and stay composed in critical moments has been a hallmark of their early-season success. Gilgeous-Alexander pointed out how the team remained focused despite making mistakes, noting that when it came time to win, they were able to execute and secure the victory. “We fought through it really well as a group and as individuals—kept the game close enough, and then, when it was winning time, we did what it took to win,” he said. This resilience and depth are reflective of the team’s collective mindset. Even without some of their top players, the Thunder have shown they can rely on their depth to close out games. With Mitchell stepping up and other players like Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to perform at a high level, Oklahoma City is proving to be more than just a team with a few stars—they are a group that thrives in tough situations. As they continue to navigate the early part of the season, the Thunder will rely on this mentality to keep their momentum going. With the depth they’ve shown so far, the team looks poised to remain competitive throughout the year.

3. Looking Ahead to the Wizards Game

With a perfect 5-0 start to the season, the Thunder are on a roll, but their work is far from over. The next challenge comes Thursday, when they host the Washington Wizards. While the Wizards are a less formidable opponent compared to some of the other teams the Thunder have faced, the game will still be an important test of Oklahoma City’s ability to maintain their high level of play and depth, especially with more difficult matchups ahead. In addition to Mitchell’s continued development, the return of Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, and Chet Holmgren will provide further reinforcement, giving the Thunder even more firepower as the season progresses. While there’s still uncertainty around Williams’ return, the team is confident that they have enough talent to keep their momentum going. As the Thunder look to build on their strong start, they will need to stay focused and continue to execute the strategies that have worked for them so far. Whether it’s Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge or players like Mitchell stepping up in key moments, the Thunder’s depth and resilience will be crucial in the games to come.