The Milwaukee Bucks faced a tough challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder, fielding a lineup without their top five scorers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis all sidelined, this game became an opportunity to take a closer look at the team’s depth and young talent.
Despite the 96-125 loss, there were some bright spots for the Bucks. Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Taurean Prince, and Chris Livingston formed an unconventional starting lineup, giving these players a chance to showcase their abilities against one of the Western Conference’s top teams.
Ryan Rollins’ performance stood out, as he put up 16 points on just nine shots with 12 of those points coming in the third quarter.
Andre Jackson Jr. also had some impressive moments, including a highlight-reel dunk on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in transition. His energy and athleticism were on full display.
AJ Johnson, while not putting up eye-popping numbers, showed improvement in his game management and control. His ability to change speeds and make decisions under pressure indicates some growth in his development as a young player.
However, the game also exposed some areas of concern, particularly in point-of-attack defense. Even with some of the team’s best defenders on the court, the Thunder found it relatively easy to penetrate and create scoring opportunities. This defensive vulnerability is something the coaching staff will need to address as they prepare for the upcoming stretch of games.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ performance against the Thunder, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyler Smith’s aggressive shooting despite low efficiency
- Discussion on Marjon Beauchamp’s limited playing time
- Pat Connaughton’s veteran presence among younger players
- Upcoming schedule and expectations leading into the All-Star break