Quick Read
- Kevin Porter Jr. and Myles Turner were ruled out for the Bucks due to injuries.
- Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Bucks 122-102, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40 points.
The Milwaukee Bucks faced a tough challenge on Wednesday night, hosting the reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. What was already expected to be a high-stakes matchup turned into an uphill battle for the Bucks after two of their starters, Kevin Porter Jr. and Myles Turner, were ruled out due to injuries. The Thunder capitalized on Milwaukee’s weakened rotation, cruising to a commanding 122-102 victory at Fiserv Forum.
Injuries Leave Bucks Vulnerable
Earlier in the day, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers delivered grim news: Kevin Porter Jr. was sidelined indefinitely with an oblique muscle strain, an injury he reportedly had been playing through for several games. “He’s not gonna play anytime soon,” Rivers admitted, adding that the team doesn’t yet have a timeline for his return. Myles Turner, the Bucks’ reliable presence in the paint, was also out with a left ankle sprain. Together, these absences left Milwaukee scrambling to fill the gaps in their starting lineup.
With Porter and Turner unavailable, Rivers turned to a makeshift starting five: Ryan Rollins at point guard, AJ Green at shooting guard, Gary Harris at small forward, Kyle Kuzma at power forward, and Giannis Antetokounmpo anchoring the frontcourt. The reshuffled lineup struggled to find its rhythm against a Thunder squad firing on all cylinders.
Thunder Seize Early Control
From the opening tip, Oklahoma City set the tone with relentless energy and precision. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP, was unstoppable, dropping 40 points on an astonishing 16-of-19 shooting while dishing out 11 assists. His performance was a masterclass in efficiency, as he sliced through Milwaukee’s defense with ease.
The Bucks, meanwhile, were plagued by turnovers, coughing up the ball three times in the first four minutes alone. This sloppiness allowed the Thunder to build a commanding 20-point lead by the end of the first quarter, 38-18. Milwaukee’s struggles continued in the second quarter, where, despite a brief surge from beyond the arc, they couldn’t string together stops on defense. By halftime, the Thunder led 69-51, and the game was slipping out of reach for the Bucks.
Giannis Fights, but Thunder Stay in Control
As always, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave everything he had. The two-time MVP posted a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, but even his efforts couldn’t overcome the Thunder’s dominance. Cole Anthony, stepping in for extended minutes, contributed 17 points on an impressive 77.8% shooting, but it wasn’t enough to keep Milwaukee in the game.
The third quarter saw the Bucks attempt to claw their way back, cutting the deficit to 16 points at one point. However, each time Milwaukee gained momentum, Oklahoma City responded with precision. Whether it was a timely three-pointer from Kenrich Williams or a scoring flurry from Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder had an answer for everything the Bucks threw at them. By the end of the third, the Thunder had extended their lead to 99-77, effectively sealing the game.
Late-Game Decisions Signal Defeat
With just under five minutes remaining and Milwaukee trailing by 18 points, Doc Rivers made a telling decision: he subbed out Giannis for the rest of the game. Shortly thereafter, Rivers emptied the bench, signaling that the Bucks were conceding the loss. For the Thunder, it was a chance to cruise to the finish line and secure their fourth consecutive win over Milwaukee.
Beyond the immediate loss, the game highlighted deeper concerns for the Bucks. The absence of Porter and Turner not only exposed vulnerabilities in their rotation but also raised questions about how the team will fare in the coming weeks if their injuries persist. Milwaukee’s depth will be tested, and players like Ryan Rollins and Gary Harris will need to step up in expanded roles.
What’s Next for the Bucks?
As the Bucks look ahead, their path doesn’t get any easier. With Porter’s oblique strain and Turner’s ankle sprain sidelining them indefinitely, Milwaukee will need to rely heavily on Giannis and their role players to stay competitive. Rivers’ postgame comments hinted at a need for urgency, as he acknowledged the team’s current struggles and emphasized the importance of limiting turnovers—a glaring issue in Wednesday’s game.
For the Thunder, this victory solidified their status as one of the league’s elite teams. Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber performance was just the latest example of his ability to dominate games, and the supporting cast around him continues to shine. With their sights set on another deep playoff run, Oklahoma City looks every bit the part of a defending champion.
The Bucks’ loss to the Thunder underscores the fragility of a team’s success when injuries strike at its core. While Giannis remains the heart of Milwaukee’s efforts, the absence of Porter and Turner revealed just how thin the margin for error can be in the NBA. For the Bucks, the road ahead will demand resilience, creativity, and a collective effort to weather this challenging stretch.