Oklahoma City Thunder secured their position as champions of the Western Conference with a solid 121-105 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, March 16, 2025. This marks the Thunder's tenth win out of their last eleven games, showcasing their excellent form.
Leading the charge for Oklahoma City was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up impressive numbers with 31 points and eight assists. His performance was backed by Isaiah Hartenstein, who delivered a career-high 24 points along with 12 rebounds. Isaiah Joe contributed significantly off the bench, adding 19 points, and Chet Holmgren contributed with 16 points and eight rebounds.
The Bucks, playing under pressure to maintain their playoff standing, saw Giannis Antetokounmpo achieve his 52nd career triple-double, finishing the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite his efforts, along with Damian Lillard's contribution of 19 points, Milwaukee simply could not match the Thunder's overall performance.
From early on, Oklahoma City established themselves as the dominant team, leading by as many as 25 points during the game. They shot 51.7% from the field, compared to Milwaukee's 39.8%, which significantly contributed to the outcome. The Thunder's edge became evident during the second quarter, where they outscored the Bucks 29-15, restricting them to their lowest first-half point total of the season at just 41 points.
Milwaukee's struggle became painfully palpable when their esteemed forward Antetokounmpo had to battle through fatigue as the game progressed. At one point, after Antetokounmpo made a dunk to cut the Thunder's lead to 46-41, Milwaukee went on a scoring drought lasting over four minutes. This prolonged absence of points allowed the Thunder to build their lead, extending it to 59-41 before the halftime buzzer rang.
The Thunder's latest victory is particularly noteworthy as they managed to do so without two key players, Jalen Williams and Lu Dort, who were absent due to hip injuries. The Thunder's depth has become one of their advantages, proving they can clinch victories even when faced with roster challenges.
Looking forward, the Bucks have difficult matches on the schedule, starting with their next game against the Golden State Warriors on March 18. They will be aiming to bounce back and consolidate their position for the playoffs as they head out on a five-game Western Conference road trip. The Bucks still remain committed to optimizing their star players' health, particularly Antetokounmpo and Lillard, as they navigate through this challenging part of the season.
This latest defeat exposes the Bucks' vulnerabilities as they continue to compete at the highest level, reflecting on their recent triumph over the Indiana Pacers on March 15, where they emerged victorious with a 126-119 score. Coach Doc Rivers indicated the need for consistency and health to maintain momentum as they gear up for intense competitions.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Philadelphia 76ers on March 19, and will look to extend their impressive winning streak, demonstrating their viability as serious contenders for the NBA championship. For the Thunder, the continued integration of key players combined with their durable bench is fostering not just wins, but confidence as they approach the playoff season.