Ajay Mitchell surprising take on Thunder title defense before Game 1

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell’s increased role is one of the more intriguing storylines of the defending champion’s 2025-26 season. Ahead of the Thunder’s first title defense in franchise history, Mitchell is now an integral piece of head coach Mark Daigneault’s rotation. From a third-string guard in his rookie season to one of the first off of Oklahoma City’s bench, Mitchell made tremendous strides in 2025-26.

Now, Mitchell is eager for Sunday’s Game 1 matchup against the Phoenix Suns in the Thunder’s first-round series.

“It’s exciting,” Mitchell said. “Really just happy to be able to get out there and help this team win. So, it’s fun. Glad I’m fully healthy and ready to go.”

For Ajay Mitchell, the Thunder’s 2025 championship is in the rear-view mirror ahead of taking on an increased role in this year’s playoff run.

“It’s a new year. So, we’re not looking at it as defending the championship. We’re looking at it as we want to go win the championship,” Mitchell added. “So, we’re just focused on that. Our mindset has been the same throughout the whole year. It’s been the same last year. We’re just focused on winning and getting better, and focusing on what’s in front of us. That’s the first round, playing Phoenix.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Thunder title defense

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed defending the NBA title ahead of this year’s playoff run. Gilgeous-Alexander reminded reporters of the long road ahead for the Thunder to win back-to-back titles.

“It’s cool. It’s an opportunity. I think just going through last year and realizing it’s so far down the line, so many things are going to happen before we get to the Finals-clinching game,” Gilgeous-Alexander. “To have that opportunity to repeat what we did before is cool. It’s so far. So many things have to go our way that I have to control, and so many things we have to control that are hard to control for a long period of time, for us to really get to have that opportunity.”

The Thunder will host the Suns at the Paycom Center on Sunday.

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