In his first start of the regular season, Ajay Mitchell got the nod in place of Lu Dort for Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, before the Portland Trail Blazers spoiled the defending champion's historic start . The Trail Blazers defeated the Thunder 121-119, handing Oklahoma City its first loss after an 8-0 record. Mitchell finished with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, four rebounds, and three assists, but it was his four turnovers that stood out most.

Costly turnovers in the final frame, including Mitchell's bad pass when it was a one-point game, eventually led to an eight-point deficit, which the Thunder nearly escaped, but fell short in a two-point loss. Still, Mitchell doesn't take these opportunities for granted, gaining the invaluable experience that comes with l

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