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Thunder rookie Ajay Mitchell, a second-round pick from UC Santa Barbara, played briefly in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Ajay Mitchell's early season success with the Thunder was interrupted by a turf toe injury requiring surgery.

For all of those who don’t reside in the weeds of Thunder fandom, Ajay Mitchell ’s early entrance into Game 1 of the NBA Finals led to some questions.

First among them … “Who?” Followed closely by … “Why?”

The Belgian-raised, second-round rookie from UC Santa Barbara played 4 minutes and 10 seconds in the Thunder’s 111-110 loss Thursday night to the Pacers. He missed all three of his shots, grabbed three rebounds and fired a slick pass to Chet Holmgren that led to free throws.

Mitchell’s minutes didn’t decide the game — barely imp

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