Tuesday night was the second time the Milwaukee Bucks fielded their Giannis Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard superstar pairing. After a limited run in their preseason debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, the Bucks’ Big 2 was expected to play heavier minutes on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder — and they did.
OKC and its young core, however, had no intention of being the latest victim of the Giannis-Dame era.
Thunder Blow Out Milwaukee Bucks
Not even Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 18-point, 10-rebound double-double in 25 minutes of action was enough to lift the Bucks. In the end, the Thunder prevailed with a final scoreline of 124-101.
Lillard struggled mightily in this one, going just 2-of-11 from the field for five points in 25 minutes of play. Malik Beasley was a bright spot for Milwaukee in this one, finishing with 20 points with six triples.
For the Thunder, it was Josh Giddey (19 points, seven rebounds, five assists), Jalen Williams (18 points, six rebounds), and rookie Chet Holmgren (18 points on 7-of-8 shooting) who led the way. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t even have to play well, as the All-Star guard finished with 10 points on 4-of-12 from the field.
Needless to say, OKC completely dominated the Bucks on Tuesday night.
NBA Twitter Reacts
It was an eye-opening performance from the Thunder’s young core against what many consider one of the best teams in the NBA in 2023-24. It was obviously a preseason game, but the fans could not help but jump on the OKC hype train:
Giannis and dame played deep in the 3rd quarter too 👀
— GodMode (@RuleRomans) October 18, 2023
OKC gonna be nice this year 🔥
— Sports Discussion (@SPORTSDEBATE_X) October 18, 2023
Goated young core
— . 👑 (@feellikebron23) October 18, 2023
Notice how shai doesn’t have high scoring games without free throws
— 🦅 (@YoungStarTy) October 18, 2023
Okc gonna be a problem in a year or 2
— Conner Bradley (@CBradleyXXX) October 18, 2023
Shai not even up there y’all are in trouble lolz
— reece (@coolguyreece) October 18, 2023
Chet pic.twitter.com/hjWMnIhYfD
— A Nets Fan 🏀🗽🌆 (@ImStillMe236) October 18, 2023
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
