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The poor condition can still play a role! The Thunder s backcourt s adjustment ability is quite good?

1:45pm, 9 July 2025【Basketball】

In a previous NBA Summer League California Classic, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 89-78. After this game, the Thunder won the first victory in the summer league, with a current record of 1 win and 1 loss; while the 76ers suffered two consecutive losses in the summer league.

In this game, the performance of the Thunder's starter and backcourt star Ajay Mitchell showed a significant decline. Mitchell played 25 minutes and 10 seconds in the game, made 3 of 11 shots, 1 of 2 from outside the three-point line, and 9 of 9 free throws, and scored 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. He also had 5 turnovers and 4 fouls, with a plus-minus value of +4. Mitchell did not find his touch on the offensive end. He got a lot of opportunities to use mobile phones, but his offensive efficiency was relatively average, and he wasted a lot of opportunities. Mitchell showed certain passing ability and organizational ability, but he did not do very well in turnover control. Of course, Mitchell also adjusted his playing style when he felt bad. He began to score more by committing fouls, and his performance on the defensive end was also quite good. Overall, although his condition is not ideal, he has also made his own contribution to the team's victory.

In the previous game when the team lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, Mitchell's performance was hugely different from that of this game. He shot 10 of 18 shots, 1 of 3 from the three-point line, and 3 of 3 free throws. He scored the highest score of 24 points plus 1 rebound, 6 assists and 1 steal. He also had 2 turnovers and 2 fouls, with a plus-negative value of -17. Mitchell showed comprehensive scoring ability on the offensive end in the previous game, and his offensive efficiency was also quite good. His performance in passing and organization was also very outstanding, but on the other hand, his performance on the defensive end was actually not so outstanding. As a result, the situation changed completely in this game. Mitchell's performance on the offensive end has obviously dropped significantly, but his performance in other aspects has also improved significantly.

Mitchell was born in June 2002 and is 23 years old, 193cm tall and weighs 93kg. He was the backcourt player selected by the Thunder in the 38th pick in the second round in the NBA Draft last year. In the NBA regular season last season, Mitchell made a total of 36 appearances in 82 games, averaging 16.6 minutes per game, averaging 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.1 blocks, and 0.8 turnovers and 1.9 fouls. He shot 49.5%, three-point shooting percentage 38.3%, and 82.9% free throw shooting percentage. In the playoffs, Mitchell made a total of 12 appearances, averaging 7 minutes of playing time, averaging 3.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.2 steals, 0.5 turnovers and 0.6 fouls, shooting percentage of 45.7%, three-point shooting percentage of 38.5%, and free throw shooting percentage of 80%. Mitchell's performance last season was actually quite highlighted. The Thunder also completed an early contract renewal with him this summer and gave him a multi-year contract. Maybe next season, Mitchell will have a chance to strike into a rotational lineup position?