The Oklahoma City Thunder rolled into Milwaukee on Wednesday night and left with a convincing 122-102 win over the Bucks - a statement victory that also came with a dose of concern. While the defending champs looked every bit like a 37-8 juggernaut, the spotlight quickly shifted to Ajay Mitchell, who exited the game in the second half with a hip injury.
Mitchell had been shining in a spot start, stepping up in a big way for a Thunder team that was already missing a significant chunk of its rotation. With Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, Thomas Sorber, and Nikola Topic all sidelined, OKC leaned on its depth - and Mitchell delivered.
Before going down late in the third quarter, Mitchell had dropped 18 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, adding three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. He was aggressive, poised, and clearly in rhythm, slicing through Milwaukee’s defense and holding his own on the other end. But on a drive to the rim, he came up hobbling, and the Thunder quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
That’s the kind of moment that can take the shine off a 20-point win, especially when it involves a player who’s been steadily carving out a bigger role.
Mitchell’s emergence this season has been one of the more underrated storylines in OKC’s campaign. The 23-year-old sophomore has been more than just a stopgap - he’s been a spark plug.
When Jalen Williams missed time early in the year, Mitchell stepped in and didn’t miss a beat. Now averaging 14.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in just over 26 minutes per game, he’s not just holding his own - he’s pushing past veterans like Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe on the depth chart.
And it’s not just the numbers. It’s how he plays.
There’s a confidence to his game - a blend of quick decision-making and defensive intensity - that fits seamlessly into what the Thunder are building. For a team that’s already loaded with young talent, Mitchell is yet another example of OKC’s ability to identify and develop under-the-radar prospects.
Originally taken 38th overall by the Knicks, Mitchell was flipped to the Thunder in a four-team deal on draft night - a move that’s looking smarter by the day.
The good news for OKC? Even with a laundry list of injuries, they’ve proven they can win - and win big - without key pieces.
Their 17-5 road record speaks volumes about their resilience and depth. But Mitchell’s status moving forward will be something to monitor closely.
Ajay Mitchell (right hip contusion) is OUT for the remainder of tonight's game against the Bucks, the Thunder announced. pic.twitter.com/dbHxcOaw3J
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 22, 2026
With the Pacers up next on Friday, the Thunder may need to dig even deeper into their bench if Mitchell is forced to miss time.
For now, though, OKC continues to roll - and if Mitchell’s injury proves to be minor, this could just be another bump in a season that’s quickly starting to feel special.