Thunder's Mark Daigneault reveals reason behind intriguing Ajay Mitchell tactic

Why Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault considered starting Ajay Mitchell a must

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:52am

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Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has been starting Ajay Mitchell in the team's recent games, citing Mitchell's impact as a key reason. Mitchell has emerged as one of the Thunder's premier impact players off the bench, with his playmaking, scoring, and defensive abilities making him a valuable asset. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised Mitchell's contributions, saying he makes the team better on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

The Thunder have been on a hot streak, winning eight straight games, and Daigneault's decision to start Mitchell in recent marquee matchups suggests the coach sees him as a crucial piece to the team's success. Mitchell's versatility and two-way play have made him an integral part of the Thunder's rotation.

The details

Daigneault said the team needs Mitchell and wants to take advantage of the opportunity to get him out on the court early in high-level games. Mitchell finished with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 27 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gilgeous-Alexander praised Mitchell's ability to make plays, pass, dribble, and shoot at a high level, as well as his defensive prowess, saying he makes the team better on both ends of the floor.

  • The Thunder have won eight straight games following Sunday's 116-103 victory over the Timberwolves.

The players

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ajay Mitchell

A second-year player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who has emerged as one of the team's premier impact players off the bench.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

An All-Star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder who praised Ajay Mitchell's contributions to the team.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to need him and he's not played a ton of games despite being a high-impact player. So, the opportunity to get him out early in the game in some of these high-level games is an opportunity we want to take advantage of right now.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder (clutchpoints.com)

“A guy that can go make a play at any given time. A guy that can pass, dribble, shoot at a high level, on a basketball floor, and also defend. And having guys like that on the court is a luxury. You kind of have no holes out there when he's out on the court from his position standpoint. So, it's a luxury having him out there. I don't think we've lost since he's been back, and it's no surprise.”

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (clutchpoints.com)

The takeaway

Ajay Mitchell's versatility and two-way impact have made him an invaluable piece of the Oklahoma City Thunder's rotation, with head coach Mark Daigneault recognizing the need to feature him more prominently in the team's starting lineup as they continue their winning streak.