Full Squad Dominance
In their first game with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton on the court together in nearly 50 days, the Milwaukee Bucks led by as much as 26 points and ultimately defeated the previously Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 118-93 at home.
Middleton’s Triple-Double
“With a full roster, we understand what our team is capable of,” said Middleton, the Bucks’ forward who missed 16 games due to a left ankle injury suffered in February and March. “We have so many guys, so many weapons that can carry the team.”
Middleton recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his first triple-double in over six years. Lillard contributed 11 points, while Antetokounmpo delivered a stellar performance with 30 points and 19 rebounds, including 8 offensive boards. This trio proved to be the Bucks’ most effective lineup in terms of net rating this season, albeit having played only 652 minutes together prior to this game, ranking 10th among all Bucks’ trios.
No More Excuses
Now able to field a healthy lineup, Antetokounmpo emphasized, “When we weren’t healthy, sometimes we played good, sometimes we didn’t play good, and we’d find excuses, like ‘Okay, when he comes back, we’ll be stronger.’ But now we’re all here, there are no more excuses.”
Second-Half Dominance
After a tightly contested first half with only a one-point difference between the teams, the Bucks maintained their lead throughout the entire second half, never allowing the Thunder to catch up. They stretched their lead to as much as 26 points, securing a comfortable victory in the end.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Struggle
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averages 30.5 points per game this season for the Thunder, struggled today, scoring only 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting, marking his second-lowest scoring game of the season.
Bucks’ Thunderous Victory
In the NBA regular-season matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 118-93. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 30 points and grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, while Middleton contributed his second career triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Bucks gradually extended their lead in the second half after a closely contested first half. The Thunder’s shooting percentage of 37% was their worst of the season. With this loss, they relinquished their position atop the Western Conference standings to the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets. (Lvbet)
