NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 as Thunder pound Bucks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 40 points, handed out 11 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a convincing 122-102 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams each contributed 18 points for the Thunder, who won their second straight game in dominant fashion and improved to 7-1 in their last eight outings.

Milwaukee, on the other hand, fell for the fourth time in its past five games. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, while Cole Anthony added 17 points off the bench.

The Bucks were missing key players, including Myles Turner (ankle) and Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique). The Thunder also played without several contributors, including Jaylin Williams (glute), Alex Caruso (groin), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), and Jalen Williams (hamstring).

The Thunder looked like reigning champions from the start, shooting an impressive 69.6% from the floor in the first quarter and taking a commanding 38-18 lead into the second quarter.

Milwaukee improved its offense in the second period but struggled to close the gap, losing the quarter 33-31.

Notably, the Thunder limited Antetokounmpo to just three field goal attempts in the first half, holding him to eight points. Mitchell led Oklahoma City with 18 points at halftime, while Anthony led the Bucks with 13 points off the bench.

Gilgeous-Alexander then took control in the third quarter, scoring 15 points as the Thunder maintained their defensive pressure on Antetokounmpo. Oklahoma City entered the fourth quarter with a 22-point lead.

The Thunder led by double digits from midway through the first quarter until the final buzzer. They have now defeated the Bucks in four straight regular-season matchups, excluding last season’s NBA Cup championship.

Milwaukee’s struggles continued as the team suffered back-to-back home losses by 20 or more points for the first time since 2016.

— Field Level Media/Reuters