When Ajay Mitchell, point guard of Oklahoma City Thunder dropped 19 points, eight assists and five rebounds on Tuesday, the Thunder’s backcourt finally got a glimpse of its depth, even though the 86‑82 loss to the Utah Jazz left fans wanting more. The game unfolded at the 2025 NBA Summer League Las Vegas, Nevada, a showcase that has become a barometer for young talent heading into the next season.
Game recap: A tight contest in the desert
The Thursday night showdown turned into a gritty, back‑and‑forth battle. After a strong start from the Jazz, who opened the first quarter with a 22‑15 run, Mitchell helped the Thunder claw back, stringing together a 10‑2 spurt that capped the half at 44‑42. He was efficient, shooting 6‑for‑14 from the floor and threading a couple of slick three‑pointers that kept the score within reach.
Defensively, the Thunder struggled to contain Utah’s pick‑and‑roll, and the Jazz’s veteran guard, Mike Conley, hit a clutch mid‑range jumper in the final minute to seal the win. Mitchell’s two steals and steady ball‑distribution, however, were bright spots that analysts noted.
Mitchell’s Summer League résumé: Consistency in the making
What makes Mitchell’s performance stand out isn’t just the numbers from Tuesday. This is his third straight Summer League game with at least 16 points and five assists. On Monday, he posted 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks against the Philadelphia 76ers, and a week earlier he exploded for 24 points on 55.6 % shooting. Across six games, he’s averaging 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest.
Those stats are a far cry from his rookie regular‑season average of 6.5 points in 16.6 minutes. The numbers tell a story of a player who thrives when given the green light and the confidence to run an offense.
Contract extension: A vote of confidence from the front office
Last month, the Thunder sealed Mitchell’s future with a three‑year, $9 million extension. General manager Sam Presti praised his “work ethic and poise under pressure,” notes that Mitchell “has earned every ounce of that trust.” Head coach Mark Daigneault echoed the sentiment, saying the guard’s ability to “run the second unit while keeping the tempo high” aligns with Oklahoma City’s fast‑break philosophy.
The deal legally ties Mitchell to the franchise through the 2027‑28 season, giving the organization time to integrate him alongside All‑NBA guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, who recently inked a five‑year, $250 million supermax extension. The key question now is how much of the backcourt minutes Mitchell will claim once the regular season tips off.
Backcourt battle: Mitchell vs. the competition
Thunder fans have been hearing whispers about Serbian prospect Nikola Topic as a possible rotational guard. Topic, drafted in 2024, brings a different skill set—primarily shooting and floor spacing—while Mitchell offers playmaking and defensive versatility.
Presti disclosed that the team plans to give both players meaningful minutes, depending on the opponent’s style. “If we need a more aggressive hand‑off game, Ajay slides in. If we need to stretch the floor, Nikola steps up,” he explained during a recent press conference. That flexibility could be the X‑factor in a Western Conference that rewards depth.
Future implications: What the 2025‑26 season could look like
The Thunder open the regular season on October 21, 2025, against the Chicago Bulls at Wintrust Arena. Coach Daigneault hinted that Mitchell could see anywhere from 10‑15 minutes per game early on, with the possibility of a larger role if Gilgeous‑Alexander needs rest.
Analysts from ESPN and The Athletic project that if Mitchell continues his Summer League trajectory—maintaining a shooting split around 45 % from the field and 35 % from three—he could become the Thunder’s reliable “sixth man” in the backcourt, much like the role Tyrese Haliburton played for the Pacers a few seasons back.
While the rookie year was hampered by a toe injury, the guard’s rebound health and the front office’s commitment suggest a bright outlook. If he can translate his Summer League energy into consistent NBA contributions, Oklahoma City may have unearthed a hidden gem that deepens its championship aspirations.
Key takeaways
- Mitchell logged 19 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the Thunder’s 86‑82 loss to the Jazz.
- He’s averaging 19.7 points and 6.3 assists over six Summer League games.
- The Thunder signed him to a three‑year, $9 million extension.
- He will compete for minutes with Nikola Topic behind Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander.
- Oklahoma City begins the 2025‑26 season Oct 21 vs. the Chicago Bulls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Ajay Mitchell’s role change after his contract extension?
The three‑year, $9 million deal signals that the Thunder view Mitchell as a long‑term piece of their backcourt puzzle. Expect him to see increased minutes in the regular season, especially when Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander rests, and to be trusted with more playmaking duties.
What does Mitchell’s Summer League performance tell us about his NBA potential?
Consistently scoring near 20 points while dishing out six-plus assists indicates he can handle a secondary‑ball‑handler role. His shooting efficiency and defensive activity suggest he could be a reliable floor‑spreader and perimeter defender for Oklahoma City.
Will Mitchell compete directly with Nikola Topic for playing time?
Yes. Topic offers shooting depth, while Mitchell provides ball‑handling and defense. Coach Daigneault plans to rotate them based on game flow, so both could see meaningful minutes, especially in back‑to‑back games.
How did the Thunder’s loss to the Jazz affect their Summer League standing?
The narrow defeat dropped Oklahoma City to a 3‑2 record in the tournament, placing them behind the Jazz and a few other teams. However, the competitive games have offered valuable evaluation time for rookies like Mitchell.
What are the expectations for the Thunder’s backcourt in the 2025‑26 season?
With Gilgeous‑Alexander locked in as the franchise cornerstone, the expectation is to develop a deep rotation. Mitchell and Topic are projected to provide quality minutes, while the team also hopes for further growth from Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey in complementary roles.