The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight 89 – 96. Here are three takeaways from tonight’s game.
Khris Middleton Surpasses Ray Allen
Khris Middleton usurped Ray Allen’s long held title as the all time team leader in 3 pointers made tonight. Although Middleton struggled for much of the game, it’s a significant milestone for the 9 year Bucks veteran. Ultimately, this distinction felt inevitable due to Middleton’s contributions to this team as a shooter.
The Bucks Struggle to Put Opponents Away
This game felt like a potential barn burner from the first possession. The Bucks jumped out to an early 11-0 lead and stifled the Thunder’s offense for much of the 1st quarter. Although the Bucks never trailed, they continually allowed the Thunder to narrow the gap. The Thunder managed to come back from a 20 point deficit to come within 2 in the 4th quarter.
Despite the Thunder’s scrappy play, they bailed the Bucks out with poor shot choices down the stretch. Ultimately, the Bucks’ defense and a few timely shots put the game out of reach.
Semi Ojeleye Continues to Struggle
Although there is plenty of blame to go around for the Bucks’ struggles tonight, Semi Ojeleye continues to stand out. Semi scored 0 points with 0 rebounds and 1 assist off 18 minutes. I’m usually cautious about giving up on players this early in the season. Regardless, it’s difficult to be patient with Semi when this stat line is proving to be the norm. If Ojeleye is going to be the P.J. Tucker replacement he was supposed to be, he needs to improve significantly on both sides of the ball.
Conclusion
As a wise individual once said, “A win is a win.” Tonight is no exception. Ultimately, the Bucks’ struggled from a mixture of sloppy mistakes and bad luck. Middleton, Allen, Holiday, and others shot plenty of wide open 3’s that simply rimmed out. The Bucks are streaky shooters and tonight was no exception. In the end, Milwaukee’s defense and Oklahoma City’s youth determined the outcome of this game.
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