OKLAHOMA CITY (Azat TV) – The Milwaukee Bucks delivered a significant 110-93 upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night at Paycom Center, defying pre-game predictions and ending their pre-All-Star break schedule on a high note. The win marked only the sixth time this season the Bucks secured consecutive victories, boosting their confidence significantly.
Milwaukee, despite a 22-30 record and playing without All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and head coach Doc Rivers, showed remarkable resilience and team play. The Thunder, with a commanding 42-13 record and coming off two road wins, were heavily favored but struggled to contain the Bucks’ balanced attack.
Bucks Dominate, Led by Former Thunder Forward Ousmane Dieng
The Milwaukee Bucks’ triumph was largely fueled by a standout performance from former Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng, who made a memorable return to Oklahoma City. Dieng led all scorers with a game-high 19 points, complemented by 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, showcasing an all-around effort that dictated the pace of the game. Dieng, who was traded by the Thunder just before the deadline, was a G-League Finals MVP for the Oklahoma City Blue in 2024, adding an emotional layer to his dominant display.
Milwaukee established an early lead, finishing the first quarter up 30-25, and extended it to 67-55 by halftime. Key contributions also came from AJ Green, who added 17 points, and Bobby Portis, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The Bucks controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Thunder significantly in the early stages, leading to crucial second-chance points, as reported by The Oklahoman. Assistant coach Darvin Ham stepped in as head coach for Milwaukee, with Doc Rivers attending a funeral, and successfully guided the team to victory.
Thunder’s Struggles and Nikola Topic’s Notable Debut
The Oklahoma City Thunder faced an uphill battle throughout the contest, hampered by several key absences, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and co-star Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain). Both players are expected to be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. Other notable Thunder players out included Branden Carlson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, and Thomas Sorber.
Despite the team’s struggles, the game featured a poignant moment with the NBA debut of Thunder guard Nikola Topic. The No. 12 pick in the 2024 draft received a standing ovation from the crowd at Paycom Center when he checked into the game late in the first quarter. Topic, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL and the first 55 games of this season after battling testicular cancer, scored his only basket early in the second quarter. He finished with two points, one rebound, and one assist in 12 minutes, marking a significant personal milestone in his challenging journey back to the court, according to ESPN.
Defying Pre-Game Expectations and Standings
Entering the game, the Oklahoma City Thunder were in a strong position with a 42-13 record, poised as one of the league’s elite teams and the defending champions. In contrast, the Milwaukee Bucks held a 22-30 record, struggling to find consistent wins. Pre-game betting odds had the Thunder favored by 12.5 points, with many predictions, including one from Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman, favoring an OKC victory. The Bucks’ ability to secure a decisive 110-93 win against a formidable opponent, especially while missing their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, speaks volumes about their collective effort.
The Thunder’s leading scorers included Isaiah Joe with 17 points and Chet Holmgren with 16 points and 13 rebounds. However, Milwaukee’s stifling defense held OKC to just 16 points in the third quarter, extending their lead and effectively sealing the game. The Bucks’ lead grew to 24 points in the final period, underscoring their control over the matchup.
Bucks Enter All-Star Break with Momentum
The Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder provides a significant boost as they head into the All-Star break, having won five of their last six games. This win, particularly against a top-tier opponent like the Thunder, offers a renewed sense of momentum and confidence for the second half of their season. The ability to perform at a high level despite key personnel absences highlights the depth and collective strength the Bucks can draw upon. For the Thunder, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges of navigating a demanding NBA season, especially when key players are sidelined, and provides an opportunity to regroup during the break before hosting the Brooklyn Nets on February 20.
The upset victory not only improved the Bucks’ record but also underscored their potential to compete with the league’s best, even under adverse circumstances, providing a vital psychological lift as they aim for a stronger finish to the regular season.