OKLAHOMA CITY — In a dominating performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a resounding 125-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. The star guard scored an impressive 34 points in just 22 minutes of play, showcasing his skills as he continues to be the league’s top scorer.

The Bucks were heavily impacted by injuries to key players, missing stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Khris Middleton. This absence turned what could have been a highly anticipated rematch of the NBA Cup final into a lopsided affair. Gilgeous-Alexander wasted no time exploiting the Bucks’ depleted lineup, amassing 21 points in the first quarter alone on 9-for-11 shooting, helping the Thunder establish an early 39-22 lead. By halftime, he had netted 30 points, contributing to a significant 78-44 advantage for his team. He exited the game with 6:17 left in the fourth quarter while the score stood at 96-54.

Ousmane Dieng contributed 21 points and seven rebounds, while Isaiah Joe added 18 points for the Thunder, who now hold an impressive record of 39-9. The absence of All-Star Jalen Williams, who is recovering from a sprained right wrist, did not hinder Oklahoma City’s strong performance.

On the other side, Milwaukee is grappling with injuries. Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star, is dealing with right patella tendinopathy, while Lillard has been sidelined by a sore left groin. Lopez is experiencing back soreness, and Middleton is gradually returning to form after offseason surgeries on both ankles. The situation left the Bucks struggling to find their rhythm, leading to their fourth consecutive defeat. Despite their struggles, Ryan Rollins managed to lead the team with 16 points.

In summary, the Bucks faced a steep challenge against a Thunder team with one of the best records in the league. Oklahoma City played with relentless energy, applying strong defensive pressure on the Bucks’ reserves, which resulted in Milwaukee shooting only 37.6% from the field.

A notable moment in the game came when Jaylin Williams of the Thunder sank a three-pointer as the first half concluded, further amplifying the pressure on Milwaukee. Oklahoma City’s shooting percentage through the first three quarters reached an impressive 64.4%.

Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to face the Charlotte Hornets, while the Thunder will host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.