The OKC Thunder picked up a convincing 121-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks to scare fans that they’re the NBA’s next dynasty.
The NBA’s title picture is solidifying in the final months of the regular season, as the contenders have already risen above the rest. The OKC Thunder have a 13-game lead as the No. 1 seed in the West, one they extended with a 121-105 win over East challengers Milwaukee Bucks.
The Thunder were without star forward Jalen Williams, but it didn’t seem to be a concern. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is in an MVP battle with Nikola Jokic and made his case stronger with 31 points and eight assists in the win over Milwaukee.
The Thunder’s xx-xx record might just be out of reach for everyone else in the West. In addition, they’re in prime position to become even stronger with a potential top-seven draft pick conveying from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo put up a triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, but no Bucks player could support him with over 20 points. OKC pulling off such a dominant win without Jalen Williams has made fans concerned.
Fans think Thunder’s dynasty is starting now
Fans around the NBA who watched this primetime clash are worried that the ease with which OKC sealed this win indicates they’re the NBA’s next dynasty.
“OKC becoming an emerging dynasty that starts this year would not shock me.”
“Thunder are 24-1 vs the East. Nuggets have lost more times to the Wizards than OKC has lost to the entire Eastern Conference.”
“I think a lot of the hate towards SGA comes from the fact that he’s got some of that prime Curry ‘there’s literally nothing you can do to stop me’ in him.”
“The Thunder just avenged their most disappointing defeat of the season, in the Cup finals to the Bucks by 16. Down 2 starters, OKC just crushed the Bucks in Milwaukee by 16. They’re making the stats case they’re the most dominant reg-season team ever – and still not feared.”
“Shai is simply the best player in the game, man it’s time to accept it.”
“OKC showing out in 3 straight national TV games in 8 days. Huge wins too: Nuggies, Celtics, Bucks… And in 1 of the 2 games that wasn’t nationally televised in that span (Pistons), Shai dropped 48…”
OKC are inching closer to setting some incredible NBA records. They can break the Boston Celtics’ record for biggest margin ahead of the No. 2 seed, which they set last season with 14 games.
They can also tally the best record of any West team against the East since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. They’re currently 24-1, needing to win four more games to surpass the 2016 Warriors’ 27 wins against the East.
Notable stats in Thunder win over Bucks
OKC showed off their incredible defense in this win over Milwaukee. The Thunder’s aggressive defenders held the Bucks 33-83 (39.8 FG%) from the field. Even with a relatively strong shooting night where they went 13-34 (38.2 3P%), OKC’s defense completely thwarted the Bucks.
Guards like Damian Lillard had a minimal offensive impact with 19 points. Kyle Kuzma was shut out with 10 points and just one rebound.
The rebound is significant because the Thunder outrebounded the Bucks 50-34 tonight. Kuzma was supposed to be a rebounding threat for Milwaukee but was a complete no-show outside that one board.
This win highlights why OKC has dominated the NBA this season. They’re one of the best defensive teams in modern NBA history, with this win putting their excellence on full display. The Bucks are real threats in the East but looked like minnows against OKC at home in this loss.
