Milwaukee turns the game around after halftime
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 128–126 at Paycom Center on October 7 in the United States, October 8 in the Philippines. Myles Turner scored 19 points, while Kel’el Ware supplied 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Oklahoma City built a 24-point advantage and led 82–64 at halftime. Milwaukee responded with a 33–20 third quarter, bringing the score to 102–97 and leaving the outcome open entering the final period.
Brayden Burries contributed important late baskets. According to Brew Hoop’s game report, he finished through traffic and later tied the contest with a dunk as Milwaukee completed its comeback.
The rotations matter when interpreting the result. Oklahoma City rested its starters other than Aday Mara after halftime, while Milwaukee kept its starting players involved longer before turning to its closing group. The second-half reversal therefore came with different combinations on the floor.
Mara finished with 22 points on 10-for-10 shooting. He also collected six rebounds, delivered two assists and blocked a shot without committing a turnover. Fellow Thunder rookie Bennett Stirtz added 20 points, including four three-pointers, alongside five rebounds and two assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped build Oklahoma City’s early lead with 17 first-half points, making all five of his field-goal attempts and all three of his three-point attempts. Jalen Williams recorded 16 points and six assists before halftime.
Milwaukee improved to 1–1 in preseason play, while Oklahoma City fell to 0–2. Exhibition results do not count toward the regular-season standings. For both teams, the game offered a look at young players handling meaningful possessions as coaches assess their rotations.
Oklahoma City’s next scheduled preseason game is a visit to Atlanta on October 12 in the United States.