Ajay Mitchell injury update: OKC Thunder guard won't return vs. Suns with knee contusion

Ajay Mitchell won't return to the OKC Thunder's NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns on Friday due to a left knee contusion.

Mitchell exited the game in the closing seconds of the first quarter and didn't return. He finished with one assist in five minutes off the bench.

Mitchell is enjoying a breakout season with OKC. The sophomore guard is averaging 15.9 points and 3.8 assists in 27.5 minutes per game, and he has started in five of his 20 outings.

OKC is looking to secure its spot in the NBA Cup's knockout round. It can do so with a win over Phoenix, but it'll have to find its way into the in-season tournament via the West's lone wild card spot if it loses.

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Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ajay Mitchell injury update: Thunder guard exits with knee contusion