Coach Mark Daigneault and the Oklahoma City Thunder fell to a Milwaukee Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo, losing 110-93 at home on Thursday. The Thunder were missing key players as well, with Jalen Williams and All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, the latter missing his fifth straight game due to an abdominal injury.
Mark Daigneault said the Bucks’ defense kept the Thunder off balance throughout the game, allowing Milwaukee to extend its lead to as much as 24 points.
“We weren’t able to really get any offensive rhythm tonight for whatever reason. I thought there were a lot of possessions we weren’t very organized, which sets you back at the beginning of possessions,” said the Thunder head coach.
The Bucks’ defense limited the Thunder to just 37.3 percent shooting from the field, while Milwaukee knocked down 17 three-pointers in a balanced offensive effort. Seven players scored in double figures, led by 19 points from the former Thunder forward acquired before last week’s trade deadline.
“Milwaukee did a great job; obviously, they outplayed us the whole night. But, obviously, it just wasn’t our best night. But I thought our process let us down on a lot of plays.”
Mark Daigneault gives Ousmane Dieng and the Bucks their flowers
Mark Daigneault also praised Ousmane Dieng for his breakout performance against his former team.
Dieng led the Bucks with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including three three-pointers, while adding 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks in 36 minutes of action.
Mark Daigneault on Ousmane Dieng: “We want guys to leave here and do well. We don't want to be a program that has a reputation of leaving here and not doing well. If guys leave here and do well, that's good for us in a lot of different ways.” pic.twitter.com/HCzv2EpXCZ
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) February 13, 2026
“We want guys to leave here and do well. We don’t want to be a program that has a reputation of leaving here and not doing well. If guys leave here and do well, that’s good for us in a lot of different ways,” said Dieng’s former coach Mark Daigneault.
AJ Green hit six three-pointers on his way to 17 points, while Bobby Portis recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma contributed 14 points off the bench.
Chet Holmgren, making his first All-Star appearance this weekend, paced Mark Daigneault’s men with 16 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
