Ajay Mitchell Scores 35 as Thunder Rout Grizzlies
Mitchell posted a season-high 35 points as Oklahoma City beat Memphis 128-97 despite several key injuries.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Basketball
Ajay Mitchell scored a season-high 35 points, shooting 14-of-20 from the field, as the Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 128-97. Oklahoma City played without Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren due to injuries.
Why it matters
With three rotation players sidelined, Mitchell's production gave Oklahoma City a major offensive boost and underscored the depth of its backcourt. For Oklahoma City fans, it signals the team can stay competitive even when its roster is thinned by injuries.
Mitchell shot 14-of-20 from the field and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line over 30 minutes, with 21 first-half points, a game high. Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jared McCain combined for 75 of the Thunder's 98 points through three quarters.
The players
Ajay Mitchell
Oklahoma City Thunder guard who posted a season-high 35 points in the win over Memphis.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Thunder star guard who combined with Mitchell and Jared McCain for 75 of Oklahoma City's 98 points through three quarters.
Jared McCain
Thunder guard who contributed to the team's backcourt production in its win over the Grizzlies.
The details
Mitchell was especially efficient in the first half, shooting 9-of-11 including 3-of-3 from three-point range. The Grizzlies had no answer for the Thunder backcourt as Oklahoma City pulled away.
Timeline
Thursday, November 6, 2026: Thunder defeat Grizzlies 128-97 and Mitchell scores 35 points.
Saturday: Thunder host the Wizards at home.
Season Trajectory
The win shows Oklahoma City can keep its playoff-level form despite losing three rotation players to injury. It reinforces the Thunder's position as a team whose backcourt scoring can carry them through a depleted roster.
Mitchell should be rostered until further notice for fantasy purposes given his recent scoring surge. Oklahoma City's home game against the Wizards on Saturday offers another opportunity to see the Thunder's guards without the injured frontcourt players.
The takeaway
Mitchell's breakout performance is a reminder that depth can emerge quickly when injuries strike a contender. Fans tracking the Thunder should watch whether the backcourt production holds as the injured players return.
Further reading
For more on the team's recent results, see Basketball coverage of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
