The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in what might have been their most impressive win of the season this year. This is not because the Thunder (4-7) are not a tough team, but rather that the Bucks (10-1) were able to pull of the win without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee soreness) and Jrue Holiday (ankle sprain). It certainly was not an easy win as the Bucks needed two overtime periods to pull out off the 136-132 victory. However, the game gave several young role players the opportunity to shine, and shine they did!
Bucks outlast the Thunder in double OT behind Jevon's 36 points. pic.twitter.com/RaBKaxmPEm
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 10, 2022
Three Studs
Jevon Carter
With Holiday and Giannis out, someone needed to pick up the slack on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. That player ended up being Jevon Carter, who had the best game of his career. Carter scored a career-high 36 points on 15-27 shooting, which included 5-10 from three. He also dished out 12 assists, which was also a career-high.
Bulldog was locked in.
36 PTS | 4 REB | 12 AST | 56% FGM pic.twitter.com/fU1KaIU1OJ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 10, 2022
Brook Lopez
There is no question that Brook Lopez is having his best season with the Bucks so far. In his first four seasons, Lopez averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. So far this season, he is averaging 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.7 blocks per game. Against the Thunder, Lopez played 46 minutes, his most in over a decade. He scored 24 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and blocked five shots. It was the eighth time this season that Lopez had multiple blocked shots. He has blocked five or more shots in a game three times this season.
Brook exploded in the second half.
24 PTS | 13 REB | 5 BLK pic.twitter.com/RJIQB0QrJA
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 10, 2022
MarJon Beauchamp
When Giannis was a rookie, the most points he ever scored in a game was 16. Last night, MarJon Beauchamp got the start in place of Giannis and erupted for 19 points on 7-13 shooting, including 5-8 from three. The rookie also added eight rebounds and two steals.
MarJon with a career-high tonight.
19 PTS | 8 REB | 5-8 3PM pic.twitter.com/HgVU3yWytg
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 10, 2022
Three Duds
Jordan Nwora
It is mighty telling that in the past two games in which Giannis has sat out, MarJon Beauchamp has been given the start over Jordan Nwora. Beauchamp is, so far, outplaying Nwora in every facet of the game. This was evident again last night as Nwora went 1-9 from the floor, including 1-5 from three. He scored just five points, but did grab seven rebounds in just 19 minutes.
Three-Point Defense
The Bucks have been much better at defending the three this season than they were last season. However, last night they allowed the Thunder to go 18-45 (40%) from three. Undoubtedly, if they had been better at defending the three last night, they could have won the game in regulation.
There Was No Third Dud
The Bucks are a very complete team and everyone, aside from Nwora, had decent games.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!