The Oklahoma City Thunder were edged out 128-126 by the Milwaukee Bucks in a high-scoring NBA preseason game at Paycom Center on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was a central figure throughout the contest, which saw contributions from across the Thunder roster as they fine-tuned their play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set the tone early, hitting a three-pointer over Bucks center Myles Turner and celebrating the make. He was active on both ends, later defending Milwaukee forward Ousmane Dieng and sharing moments on the bench with teammate Jalen Williams. Williams provided his own highlights, including a powerful dunk near Bucks rookie Nate Ament. Rookie guard Jared McCain also made his presence felt by knocking down a three-pointer and celebrating the shot.
The defensive intensity was notable. Veteran Alex Caruso applied pressure on Bucks guard Tyler Herro, while Cason Wallace combined with Caruso to force a turnover against Ryan Rollins. Big man Aday Mara threw down a dunk, and fellow rookie Ajay Mitchell handled the ball against Kasparas Jakucionis. Coach Mark Daigneault was vocal from the sidelines, directing his team in the close contest.
This game was part of a busy preseason slate for Oklahoma City. It followed a 110-116 preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on October 6. The Thunder's most recent preseason action was a 113-110 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks on October 12. These games are providing valuable minutes for the team's mix of established stars and new faces to build chemistry.
The focus is on integrating players and testing combinations before the regular season. Every possession, from Gilgeous-Alexander's playmaking to Wallace's defensive plays, offers a learning opportunity. The close score against a Bucks team featuring players like Myles Turner and Tyler Herro indicates competitive preparation.
The Oklahoma City Thunder wrap up their preseason schedule immediately, hosting the Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center on October 13. It's the final chance for the coaching staff to evaluate the roster in game conditions before the real games begin. Fans can view the full upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
After that, the attention shifts to the regular season opener. The performances of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and the supporting cast in these exhibitions will shape the rotation. The team will look to tighten up defensively after allowing high point totals and convert these preseason lessons into wins when they matter.
