NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 as Thunder pound Bucks

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, dished out 11 assists and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 122-102 road victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams each added 18 points for the Thunder, who won their second straight in dominating fashion and have prevailed in 7 of 8.

Milwaukee fell for the fourth time in its past five. Giannis Antetokounmpo compiled 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Cole Anthony added 17 points.

Milwaukee was without Myles Turner (ankle) and Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique). The Thunder were also without a strong contingent including Jaylin Williams (glute), Alex Caruso (groin), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Jalen Williams (hamstring).

The Thunder looked like the reigning champs from the get-go as they shot 69.6% from the floor in the first quarter and took a commanding 38-18 advantage going into the second.

The Bucks were able to generate more offense in the second but did little to dig into their deficit as they won the quarter 33-31.

Notably, the Thunder held Antetokounmpo to just three attempts from the field and eight points in the half. Mitchell had 18 to lead Oklahoma City at the half while Cole Anthony had 13 off the bench to top Milwaukee.

Gilgeous-Alexander then took over in the third. The reigning MVP scored 15 points and the Thunder continued to hold down Antetokounmpo as they went into the fourth up by 22.

The Thunder led by double digits from halfway through the first quarter on through the end of the game. They beat the Bucks for the fourth consecutive regular-season contest, not including the NBA Cup championship a season ago.

The Bucks have lost back-to-back games at home by 20-plus points for the first time since 2016.

--Field Level Media/Reuters