The Thunder effortlessly defeated the Suns last night thanks to an offensive explosion. Oklahoma City scored 136 points for the first time since Jan. 19. Jalen Williams led the way with 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field, while the bench erupted for 74 points. 

Will the offense continue to roll in the Thunder’s final game before the All-Star break? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Hartenstein are ruled out against the Bucks, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is also sidelined for Milwaukee. 

Here are three key matchups for this contest. 

Through three games with the Thunder, Jared McCain is averaging eight points per game on 50% shooting from the field and from deep. The sophomore has increased his point total in every game, and he continues to look more comfortable. 

His gravity and off-ball movement are immediately noticeable, as defenders must stay tethered to him at all times. McCain’s pairing with Isaiah Joe is especially potent. Oklahoma City has scored 137.7 points per 100 possessions so far when they share the court according to Cleaning the Glass. Now, the sample size is only 69 possessions, which is a negligible amount. However, the eye test agrees that it’s a dynamic pairing. 

If McCain continues to shoot the ball efficiently against Milwaukee, then it would be a boon for an offense that is missing Gilgeous-Alexander, Mitchell and potentially Williams. 

Meanwhile, Ousmane Dieng eventually landed with the Bucks after Oklahoma City traded him in order to make room for McCain. Dieng flashed his potential last night in Milwaukee’s upset victory against Orlando. He scored 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. 

The Bucks also picked up Cam Thomas after Brooklyn waived him, and the microwave scorer poured in 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the field versus the Magic. Dieng and Thomas are key names to monitor because their scoring can push this game to clutch time. 

Milwaukee ranks second in three-point percentage and tenth in three-point attempt rate, so its offense is capable of throwing knockout punches and going on hot streaks. 

This strength is a concern for Oklahoma City because its defense surrenders a ton of triples in order to protect the paint. A great night from deep could therefore keep Milwaukee in the game. A.J. Green is shooting 43.1% on 7.1 attempts per game, so the Thunder must stay attached to him at all costs. 

Milwaukee currently features numerous young players with chips on their shoulders and contract negotiations this offseason on their minds, so expect the Bucks to come out with a plethora of energy and fire. 

On the other hand, Oklahoma City is limping into the All-Star break, and proving themselves in the regular season is not at the top of the list for the reigning champs.

It’s a tough spot for the Thunder mentally, but it cannot afford to go through the motions and play without intensity against the Bucks.