Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a brilliant all-around performance as the injury-depleted Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Milwaukee Bucks 122-102 on Wednesday night.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 40 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, shooting an efficient 16-for-19 from the floor as the NBA-leading Thunder won for the seventh time in their last eight games. Oklahoma City was without several key contributors, including Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams, but never let the absences slow them down.
The reigning MVP made history in the process. According to Sportradar, Gilgeous-Alexander became just the second player since at least the 1980-81 season to record at least 40 points and 10 assists while shooting 80% or better from the field.
Oklahoma City jumped out quickly, scoring the game’s first seven points and forcing eight Milwaukee turnovers in the opening quarter. The Thunder surged to a 38-18 lead after one period and maintained control throughout, with the margin never dropping below 14 points. Oklahoma City led by as many as 25 and shot 54.4% from the field.
Ajay Mitchell scored 18 points in the first half and finished with 18 in 25 minutes before exiting with a hip bruise. Kenrich Williams also added 18 points for the Thunder, who closed a four-game road trip with a 3-1 mark.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Milwaukee was shorthanded as well, missing Myles Turner with a sprained left ankle and Kevin Porter Jr. with a strained oblique. Cole Anthony stepped into a larger role off the bench and scored 17 points, while Bobby Portis contributed 15 points and a career-high nine assists. The Bucks received 46 points from their bench but couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City’s fast start.
Up next:
The Thunder return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Friday, while the Bucks welcome the Denver Nuggets the same night.
