Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 116-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. The Thunder improved to 3-2 in the preseason, while the Bucks fell to 3-1.
Oklahoma City jumped out to an early lead, posting 33 points in the first quarter against Milwaukee’s 37. The Thunder gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring the Bucks 40-28 to take a six-point advantage into halftime.
Gilgeous-Alexander played 19 minutes, adding six assists and three steals. Alex Caruso contributed nine points and eight assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein added 13 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Luguentz Dort scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds, and Cason Wallace chipped in nine points with five assists. Brooks Barnhizer came off the bench to score eight points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, playing limited minutes as part of the preseason rotation. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 15 points with four assists, while Gary Trent Jr. and Bobby Portis added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Kyle Kuzma contributed eight points in a supporting role.
The game featured multiple lead changes in the third quarter, as both teams traded baskets in a high-paced exchange. Oklahoma City managed a 14-point surge in the fourth quarter, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s driving layups and timely three-pointers from Wallace and Caruso. Hartenstein’s presence inside helped the Thunder secure crucial rebounds, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Bucks.
The Thunder finished with a 48.2% field-goal percentage, hitting 37.2% from three-point range and 76.9% on free throws. Milwaukee shot 48.1% from the field, including 40% from beyond the arc, but turnovers and missed free throws proved costly. Both teams committed 20 turnovers, but Oklahoma City capitalized better in transition.
