Thunder's Shooting Efficiency, Defense Trumps Milwaukee Bucks' Star Duo

The Thunder trotted out every starter against Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounpo and the Milwaukee Bucks to secure its second preseason victory on Tuesday night.

Oklahoma City’s starting five took care of business on Tuesday night, winning 124-101 against the Milwaukee Bucks and its new superstar tandem in Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounpo.

An efficient 56.5% shooting percentage on the night for the Thunder built the foundation for its success, but its defense was the ultimate factor in claiming their second victory in the preseason win column.

The Oklahoma City defense held Lillard to five points in 25 minutes, shutting him down to just two points in the first half before scoring just three in the second half. But Malik Beasley led the Bucks in the scoring department, notching 20 points and going 6-for-11 from 3-point range. Antetokounmpo flexed his muscle in a couple physical flushes at the rim and scored 18 points with 10 rebounds in 25 minutes through three quarters.

For the Thunder, the scoring was derived mostly from rookie forward Chet Holmgren, sophomore Jalen Williams and third-year guard Josh Giddey. Holmgren posted 18 points, missing just one shot, with Williams also tallying 18 points going 6-for-10 from the field. Giddey was getting to the rim at will with his 6-foot-8 frame and notched 19 points on 75% shooting with seven rebounds and five assists.

Prior to the game, it was revealed forward Jaylin Williams suffered a hamstring strain in practice, and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Without Williams and rookie guard Cason Wallace — who is out with a sprained big toe – the Thunder’s depth was thinner than usual entering the contest.

But sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, who notched 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, characteristically flashed his 3-point prowess off the bench and sank four threes on the night.

Aaron Wiggins saw significant minutes outside the starting lineup with 12 minutes too, as did Vasilije Micic and Ousmane Dieng with 15 and 16 respectively. Head coach Mark Daigneault continues to experiment with a plethora of mix match lineups throughout this short preseason.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey kickstarted the offense from the tip, as Giddey excelled in transition with Gilgeous-Alexander craftily working in the half court and displaying his 3-point ability.

Holmgren and Dort showcased their long-range shooting, too, making two threes combined in the first half — but Jalen Williams and Joe led the team with two each heading into the third quarter.

As the Thunder came out of halftime up by just five, Oklahoma City began to command the game as four 3-pointers in the third quarter helped propel them to a 96-77 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

With the stars on the bench, the Thunder maintained its lead throughout the quarter thanks to a couple Davis Bertans threes.

Next, Oklahoma City will take on the Detroit Pistons in their second meeting of the preseason on Thursday at 7 p.m. inside Tulsa’s BOK Center.

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