Shai Gilgeous Alexander Powers Thunder Past Bucks as Oklahoma City Overcomes Injuries in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — In a breaking update that underscored both depth and star power, Shai Gilgeous Alexander recorded 40 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 122 to 102 on Wednesday night despite being short handed due to multiple injuries.

Oklahoma City entered the game without several core rotation players, including Jalen Williams with a right hamstring strain, Isaiah Hartenstein with a strained right soleus, Alex Caruso with a right adductor strain, Aaron Wiggins with a sore right groin, and Jaylin Williams with a bruised left glute. The latest timeline on those injuries did not deter the NBA leading Thunder, who earned their seventh win in eight games and closed a four game road trip at 3 and 1.

Gilgeous Alexander delivered one of the most efficient high usage performances of the season, shooting 16 of 19 from the field. According to league tracking data, it marked only the second time since the 1980 to 81 season that a player posted at least 40 points and 10 assists while shooting 80 percent or better from the floor. The only other occurrence came one night earlier when Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley achieved the same statistical benchmark.

The Thunder built control early, scoring the first 7 points of the game and forcing 8 Milwaukee turnovers in the opening quarter. Oklahoma City led 38 to 18 after 1 and never allowed the margin to drop below 14 the rest of the night, stretching the lead to as many as 25 points while shooting 54.4 percent as a team.

Ajay Mitchell provided a critical boost with 18 points in the first half before exiting after 25 minutes due to a hip bruise, an injury that will be evaluated further as part of the team’s next steps. Kenrich Williams added 18 points, helping stabilize the lineup amid continued rotation adjustments.

Milwaukee was also dealing with roster limitations. Myles Turner missed the game with a sprained left ankle and Kevin Porter Jr. remained sidelined with a strained oblique. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said pregame that Turner is considered day to day, while Porter is not expected back in the near term, impacting Milwaukee’s backcourt depth.

Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, while the Bucks received 46 points from their bench, including 17 from Cole Anthony and 15 points with a career high 9 assists from Bobby Portis. Despite that production, Milwaukee struggled with ball security and transition defense, areas that continue to affect their outlook against top tier competition.

What this means moving forward is that Oklahoma City continues to separate itself in the Western Conference through resilience and execution, even amid injuries that would sideline many contenders. Milwaukee, meanwhile, faces ongoing evaluation of health and consistency as it prepares for a demanding stretch against elite opponents.

The Thunder return home next to host the Indiana Pacers on Friday, while the Bucks remain at home to face the Denver Nuggets, a matchup that will further test their rotation stability and defensive performance.