Sports
Mitchell’s 30 points keep unbeaten Thunder rolling despite mounting injuries
Ajay Mitchell posted a career-high 30 points as Oklahoma City beat Phoenix 125-114 and improved to 4-0. The win came amid a growing injury list, with two starters facing surgery and another key player leaving Monday’s game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder remained unbeaten Monday night, defeating the Phoenix Suns 125-114 behind a career-best 30 points from Ajay Mitchell and 26 from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Mitchell stepped into the starting lineup in place of Jalen Williams, who was injured in Sunday’s 108-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Jared McCain, starting for injured guard Cason Wallace, scored 18 points. Isaiah Hartenstein added 15 points and 13 rebounds as the Thunder moved to 4-0.
Oklahoma City led 67-53 at halftime after Mitchell scored 18 points and McCain put up 10 in the first half. McCain’s 3-pointer with three minutes left in the third quarter pushed the margin to 89-72.
The win came as the Thunder dealt with several significant injuries. Williams and Wallace, both hurt against the Clippers, will need surgery and could miss the rest of the season. Center Chet Holmgren sat out Monday with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Reserve guard Alex Caruso sprained his right ankle after a collision late in the second quarter and did not return. He had scored nine points before leaving.
Phoenix was led by Jalen Green’s 20 points, followed by Dillon Brooks with 19 and Miles Bridges with 17. Devin Booker scored three points on 1-for-7 shooting.
The Suns are scheduled to host Denver on Friday. Oklahoma City travels to Dallas for a Wednesday game.