To win its second preseason game on Tuesday night, the Thunder started every game against Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounpo, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Tuesday night, Oklahoma City’s starting five easily defeated the Milwaukee Bucks and their new superstar duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounpo, winning 124-101.

The Thunder’s success was predicated on an effective 56.5% shooting percentage on the night, but their defense ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in them earning their second preseason victory.

Lillard was limited to just two points in the first half and three in the second by the Oklahoma City defense, which kept him scoreless for 25 minutes. However, Malik Beasley led the Bucks in scoring with 20 points and 6 of 11 three-pointers made. In just 25 minutes over three quarters, Antetokounmpo scored 18 points and pulled down 10 rebounds while flexing his muscles in a few hard flushes at the rim.

Josh Giddey, a third-year guard, Jalen Williams, and rookie forward Chet Holmgren were the Thunder’s main sources of scoring. Williams scored 18 points while shooting 6-for-10 from the field, while Holmgren scored 18 points with just one basket missed. With his 6-foot-8 stature, Giddey was able to get to the hoop with ease, scoring 19 points on 75% shooting, five assists, and seven rebounds.

Jaylin Williams, a forward, was said to have strained his hamstring during practice before the game. He will undergo another evaluation in two weeks. Williams and rookie guard Cason Wallace, who is out due to a sprained big toe, were absent from the game, meaning the Thunder had a smaller starting lineup than normal.

However, Isaiah Joe, a talented shooter who finished the game with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, showed off his ability to make threes right out of the bench. He made four threes that evening.

Along with Vasilije Micic (15 minutes) and Ousmane Dieng (16 minutes), Aaron Wiggins also saw considerable time off the starting lineup (12 minutes). Throughout this brief preseason, head coach Mark Daigneault has not stopped experimenting with a variety of mix match lineups.

Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got the offense going right away, with Giddey thriving in transition while Gilgeous-Alexander skillfully worked the half court and showed off his 3-point shooting abilities.

Both Holmgren and Dort demonstrated their long-range ability in the first half, making two threes apiece; nonetheless, Joe and Jalen Williams lead the team with two baskets apiece entering the third quarter.

Oklahoma City took control of the game after the Thunder only led by five points at the half. Four 3-pointers in the third quarter gave them a 96-77 lead going into the last twelve minutes.

A handful of three-pointers from Davis Bertans helped the Thunder hold onto their lead throughout the quarter even with the stars sitting on the bench.

Next up, Oklahoma City and the Detroit Pistons will play their second preseason game on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the BOK Center in Tulsa.