Mitchell's 30 points lead Thunder past Suns despite injury pileup

Ajay Mitchell scored a career-high 30 points on Monday to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 125-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The win kept the Thunder unbeaten through their first four games of the season.

The team entered the game with a short bench after Sunday's 108-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Jalen Williams suffered a fractured fibula and a dislocated left ankle. Cason Wallace tore a labrum in his left shoulder. Both players will require surgery, and their seasons may be over.

Chet Holmgren sat out the Monday game with patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Alex Caruso played extra minutes because of the depleted roster. He sprained his right ankle late in the second quarter and did not return to the court.

Mitchell carried the offensive load in the first half. He scored 18 points as the Thunder built a 67-53 halftime lead. Jared McCain started in place of Wallace and added 10 points before the break.

The Thunder extended their lead to 17 points late in the third quarter. McCain hit a three-pointer to help push the advantage. Oklahoma City maintained control for the rest of the game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26 points for the Thunder. Isaiah Hartenstein recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds. Caruso scored nine points before leaving with his ankle injury. McCain finished with 18 points.

Phoenix relied on Jalen Green for 20 points. Dillon Brooks scored 19 points, and Miles Bridges added 17. The Thunder defense limited Devin Booker to three points on 1-of-7 shooting.

Mitchell said the team played for their injured teammates. He noted that Williams and Wallace wanted to be on the court. The group competed at a high level to secure a win for them.

Mitchell acknowledged that the news about his teammates was difficult to process. He said the team is focused on making sure those players are mentally supported. They plan to keep competing for the group.

The Thunder remain 4-0 on the season. The team will continue to adjust its lineup as it deals with the extended absences of its key guards.