The Oklahoma City Thunder’s journey in the NBA Cup came to a disappointing end as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 97-81 in the championship game. While this loss doesn’t impact the regular season standings or individual player statistics, it provides valuable insights into areas where the Thunder need improvement.
The primary factor in OKC’s defeat was the subpar performance of their star players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed only 21 points on 33% shooting, while Jalen Williams contributed 18 points on 40% shooting. In a star-driven league, when your top players struggle, winning becomes an uphill battle.
Milwaukee’s defensive strategy proved effective, particularly against Gilgeous-Alexander. Andre Jackson’s stellar defense disrupted SGA’s rhythm, showcasing a potential blueprint for containing OKC’s offensive engine. This game highlighted the Thunder’s vulnerability against teams that can effectively pack the paint and play physical basketball.
The Thunder’s three-point shooting woes were glaring, as the team shot a dismal 5-for-32 from beyond the arc. This inability to stretch the floor allowed Milwaukee to focus on clogging the paint, further hampering OKC’s offensive flow. The absence of consistent outside shooting remains a concern that needs addressing as the season progresses.
Despite the offensive struggles, OKC’s defense held its ground. Limiting the Bucks to 97 points, including holding Giannis Antetokounmpo to 26 points, is no small feat. This defensive performance provides a silver lining and something to build upon moving forward.
It’s crucial to note that the Thunder were without Chet Holmgren, whose presence could have significantly impacted the game. Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim would have given OKC another dimension against Milwaukee’s formidable frontcourt.
Isaiah Hartenstein emerged as a bright spot for the Thunder, posting 16 points and 12 rebounds. His performance underscores the potential of OKC’s frontcourt when fully healthy and integrated.
While this loss stings, it’s important to maintain perspective. The Thunder are still 20-5 on the season and have shown tremendous growth. This game serves as a learning experience and an opportunity to identify areas for improvement as they continue their push towards the playoffs.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Thunder’s performance in the NBA Cup Championship, tune into the Locked On Thunder podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Thunder Podcast:
• Analysis of Aaron Wiggins’ limited playing time
• Isaiah Joe’s role as a starter vs. coming off the bench
• The impact of Chet Holmgren’s absence on the team’s performance
