Ajay Mitchell almost makes you forget about Jalen Williams' injury on Thunder playoff run
TL;DR
Ajay Mitchell shone in the Thunder's 131-108 playoff victory over the Lakers, showcasing impressive skills that overshadowed Jalen Williams' injury. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised Mitchell's performance, highlighting his talent and potential.
Key points
- Ajay Mitchell excelled in the Thunder's playoff game
- Thunder defeated the Lakers 131-108
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised Mitchell's talent
- Mitchell's performance overshadowed Jalen Williams' injury
Ajay Mitchell knew he could beat Austin Reaves to the basket. The Thunder super sophomore had made the former Sooner look silly all night. It was just a matter of which move, in a bag full of them, to bust out this time.
Mitchell danced with Reaves on the perimeter before dusting Reaves with a hard crossover. Mitchell, with Reaves trailing from behind, pulled up for a midrange jumper that rattled in despite Mitchell double-clutching midair.
The ABC broadcast immediately panned to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was standing at the scorerâs table â eyes wide and mouth agape.
The MVP, like the rest of us, was mesmerized by Mitchellâs magic in the Thunderâs 131-108 Game 3 rout of the Lakers on Saturday night.
âIt might be a shock to the world, but itâs no shock to us,â SGA said of Mitchell in a postgame interview with sideline reporter Jorge Sedano. âWe knew who Ajay Mitchell was the day he stepped into our building, and heâs just showing it to the world.â
More: OKC Thunder get big games from guards, bigs in another Laker rout
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the rebound during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket against Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to passes the ball against Alex Caruso #9 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Ajay Mitchell #25 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds against Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a foul call during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) screens out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) steps back from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) for a three-point basket during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and center Chet Holmgren (7) defend a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett looks on as players warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
1 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
1 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) fight for position on the court in the first half of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
2 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
3 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sidelines against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
4 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
5 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder battle for the rebound during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
6 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
7 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket against Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
8 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
9 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder fouls Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
10 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to passes the ball against Alex Caruso #9 and Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
11 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against Ajay Mitchell #25 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
12 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounds against Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
13 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jaylin Williams #6 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
14 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
15 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
16 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers jumps for the ball against Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder to start the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
17 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks for a foul call during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
18 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
19 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) screens out Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) handles the ball during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
20 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) steps back from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) for a three-point basket during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
21 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) and center Chet Holmgren (7) defend a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
22 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
23 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
24 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder team owner Clay Bennett looks on as players warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
25 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
26 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
27 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
28 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams (6) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
29 / 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 3 NBA Playoffs, see top photos
May 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) warms up prior to game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mitchell, the Thunderâs lowest-paid player, scored a team-high 24 points in Game 3. He had 10 assists and zero turnovers. Thatâs one more point, one more assist and two fewer turnovers than SGA had.
Not bad for a guy with fewer than 100 regular-season games under his belt. And fewer than 20 playoff games.
Best $3 million the Thunder has ever spent. Thatâs what Mitchell is making this year before getting his pay cut to $2.85 million next year and the year following. The Thunder has a team option on that final year (2027-28), but count on both sides agreeing to an extension before then. Mitchell is going to get Paid by somebody.
Besides literally every other Thunder player on a standard contract, including rookie center Thomas Sorber ($4.7 million) whoâs yet to play in an NBA game, hereâs a sampling of Lakers earning more than Mitchell: Jake LaRavia ($6 million), Dalton Knecht ($4 million), Jaxson Hayes ($3.4 million). And donât forget about Maxi Kleber ($12 million).
Sam Presti uncovered a gem with the 38th pick in the 2024 draft, and the Thunder is making the Lakers and 29 other teams pay for it.
Gilgeous-Alexander said he wasnât shocked with Mitchellâs play, but his face showed otherwise. It was the proper reaction. Here was a second-year player from UC Santa Barbara â or was it Belgian Waffle University â starring against the Lakers. In the Western Conference semifinals. Outshining his MVP teammate. In the home of LeBron James. With Leonardo DiCaprio and a bunch of A-Listers probably wondering who the heck this Ajay guy was.
More: Ajay Mitchell, OKC Thunder overpower Lakers to close in on NBA playoff sweep
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 09: Ajay Mitchell #25 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Itâs a wonder that Jalen Williams didnât crash the SGA/Ajay postgame interview. Hey, world, remember me? The reigning All-NBA player who once scored 40 points in an NBA Finals game? Itâs me, Jalen. J-Dub.
The Thunder is so rich in talent that J-Dubâs absence elicits little more than a shrug when itâs mentioned. Which is crazy for a guy who was one of the best 15 players in basketball less than a year ago.
Does OKC need Williams against San Antonio? Probably. Against Minnesota? Maybe. Against whoever comes out of the East? Unlikely.
The Thunder didnât get anything from Mitchell last playoffs â he was a rookie coming off a prolonged foot injury â but it didnât matter. The Thunder hasnât gotten much of anything from J-Dub in these playoffs â heâs hurt â and it hasnât mattered.
The Thunder is 7-0, Chet Holmgren has assumed Jalen Williamsâ second-best-player-on-the-team status and Mitchell is balling in Dubâs role.
The Thunder could absolutely win another title without Williams, which is no shot at him but rather a recognition of how ridiculously loaded the Thunder is. Williams is more proven than Mitchell. Williams is bigger and stronger. Better, although maybe not by much.
But hereâs the thing. Itâs not an either/or question. Once J-Dub is ready, the answer will be âboth.â
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at jmussatto@oklahoman.com. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ajay Mitchell has shined in Jalen Williams' absence for loaded Thunder
Q&A
What did Ajay Mitchell do in the Thunder's playoff game against the Lakers?
Ajay Mitchell delivered an outstanding performance, scoring effectively and showcasing his skills in the Thunder's 131-108 victory.
How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander react to Ajay Mitchell's performance?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander expressed amazement at Mitchell's skills, stating that they recognized his talent from the moment he joined the team.
What is the significance of Jalen Williams' injury for the Thunder?
Jalen Williams' injury could impact the Thunder's playoff run, but Mitchell's performance has provided a strong boost in his absence.
What was the score of the Thunder's Game 3 against the Lakers?
The Thunder won Game 3 against the Lakers with a score of 131-108.
