It’s been over two months since Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell sustained a toe injury that halted his momentum.
Thunder Rookie Ajay Mitchell Ready To Return From Injury?
The 38th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Mitchell has scored in double figures in four of his last seven games, averaging 10.6 points per contest and shooting 44.4 percent from 3. Had he not been forced to exit their win over the New York Knicks early in the third quarter, he may have had scored in double figures in five of his last seven games, as he already had eight points halftime.
Since then though, the Thunder have gone 37-9. Clinching the No. 1 record in the West while some other contenders have barely stayed afloat, they’re one of the most formidable teams in the NBA. With that being said, Oklahoma City doesn’t necessarily need Mitchell. Nevertheless, they’re better with him than without him. Indeed, they’re 10-1 when Mitchell scores in double figures and 8-1 when he plays at least 20 minutes.
It’s just their luck that Mitchell is no longer on the injury report, as noted by The Oklahoman’s Joel Lorenzi.
Recency Effect
Due to the amount of time Mitchell missed, he might not suit up right away. After all, lengthy absences are often associated with declines in conditioning. On a team that ranks 11th in average speed (9th on offense), his conditioning may matter even more.
However, given how well they’ve played with Mitchell, they may want to help him get in game shape and knock any other rust off as soon as possible. Frankly, there are no assurances he’ll get minutes in the playoffs. Though they likely upgraded his contract to have him available, coaches tend to cut down their rotations.
Still, having a well-oiled Mitchell ultimately benefits them. The evidence isn’t just in how they’ve performed with him, but in their recent stretch of games.
Spark Plug Needed
The Thunder have a 3-2 record in their last five games, losing to the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers in that time.
Honestly, the Rockets have been a thorn in their side all season, winning three of the five games they’ve played against OKC. The loss to the Lakers, their first of the season, was avenged in their next game. The overarching similarity in these losses was that Oklahoma City scored far below their season average (120.3 points per game).
When they faced Houston, they scored 111 points, with 18 coming from their ineffective bench. Against L.A., they only managed 99 points. This time, their second unit combined for 30 points, but remained inefficient. Having Mitchell in these games may not have been the ultimate difference-maker. It’s hard to say that he wouldn’t have made it easier for them to win though, especially if he was at the top of his game.
With that being said, the recency effect should make these games stick out. If so, Mitchell’s potential contributions should look even more attractive.
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