Bucks
Bucks Erase 24-Point Deficit, Stun Thunder 128-126 in Preseason
The Milwaukee Bucks rallied from a 24-point hole to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-126 in a preseason game at Paycom Center, outscoring the Thunder 33-20 in the third quarter and 31-24 in the fourth. It's an exhibition result, so it carries no standings weight, but Milwaukee's bench depth and the free-throw line made the difference down the stretch.
By the Hoops Nightly Desk · updated 14 d ago01The story of the nightTurning PointOklahoma City jumped on Milwaukee early, building a 44-35 lead after one quarter and stretching the margin to as…
Oklahoma City jumped on Milwaukee early, building a 44-35 lead after one quarter and stretching the margin to as many as 24 points in the second before taking an 82-64 edge into halftime. The Bucks clawed back with a 33-point third quarter while the Thunder managed just 20, cutting the deficit to 102-97 entering the fourth. Milwaukee finished the job with a 31-point fourth quarter to Oklahoma City's 24, closing the final nine minutes on the stronger run and completing the turnaround for a 128-126 road win.
02Top PerformersAday Mara led all scorers with 22 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting night, adding six rebounds in 25 minutes…
Aday Mara led all scorers with 22 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting night, adding six rebounds in 25 minutes for Oklahoma City. Bennett Stirtz matched his energy off the bench with 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including 4-for-7 from three. For Milwaukee, Myles Turner scored 19 points with two blocks and two triples, while Kel'el Ware posted a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Bench guard Brayden Burries added 16 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was efficient in limited minutes, going 5-for-5 with 17 points and five assists for the Thunder.
03Where It Was WonThe paint was even at 54-54 and points off turnovers tied at 17 apiece, so the difference came at the free-throw…
The paint was even at 54-54 and points off turnovers tied at 17 apiece, so the difference came at the free-throw line and the glass. Milwaukee shot 26-for-35 from the stripe to Oklahoma City's 17-for-26, a nine-make edge that outweighed the final two-point margin. The Bucks also out-rebounded the Thunder 68-49, pulling down extra possessions even while shooting a lower percentage (46.3% to 49.5%) and making fewer threes (14-for-44 to 17-for-46). Oklahoma City ran better, scoring 18 fast-break points to Milwaukee's 11, but it wasn't enough to offset the whistle and the boards.
04What It MeansIt's preseason, so neither result moves a standing, but both sides got a long look at their depth.
It's preseason, so neither result moves a standing, but both sides got a long look at their depth. Milwaukee's bench outscored Oklahoma City's 53-52, with Turner, Ware and Burries all hitting double figures off the rotation mix, a promising sign for scoring balance. For Oklahoma City, Mara's perfect shooting night and Stirtz's 20-point bench outburst stood out even in a loss, though Stirtz's minus-20 plus-minus shows the lead evaporated largely while he was on the floor. Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were efficient in shorter preseason minutes, going a combined 13-for-16 from the field.
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