Amid a 20-1 start, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell understands the benefits of playing a tightly contested game, as seen in their previous wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns. Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak of 20+ points in a four-point win against the Suns (123-119), followed by a 123-115 victory against the Blazers — two close games. Oklahoma City captured its 12th straight win.

Mitchell revealed the kind of wins he loves most , but understands the lessons that come with close games.

“Personally, I'd love to win every game by like 30, if we could, but there's a lot to learn in close games,” Mitchell said. “And there's a way to kind of fight through what's going on, especially when things aren't going our way.

See Full Page