Ajay Mitchell is making the most of his breakout season, and Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers was another chapter in his rising story. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard delivered a standout performance, leading his team to a commanding 131-108 victory and a 3-0 series lead in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Mitchell finished with 24 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds, shooting 10-of-17 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also added three steals, showcasing his two-way impact. The game featured a signature sequence where Mitchell grabbed a miss from Chet Holmgren, reset to the perimeter, and drove downhill through a confused Lakers defense for an and-one layup—a play that summed up his growing confidence and poise.

Thrust into the starting lineup due to Jalen Williams' injury, Mitchell has seamlessly stepped into a Robin role alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His performance on the road against a desperate Lakers team was especially impressive. Mitchell scored 18 points in the second half, including nine in the fourth quarter, as the Thunder's second-unit offense once again turned the game lopsided. His ability to slice through defenders and finish through contact opened up his pull-up jumper, even against textbook contests.

While playmaking isn't typically Mitchell's strongest suit, he elevated his game against the Lakers' dissolving defense. He found teammates cutting to the rim and kicked out to shooters on the perimeter, making everything look easy. At just 23 years old, Mitchell has quickly ascended into one of OKC's most reliable players, fundamentally changing the team's dynamics. As he continues to find his footing in his first playoff run, it's clear he's getting more comfortable with every game—and the Thunder are reaping the rewards.