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Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Jan. 2 vs Oklahoma City Thunder

By Ti Windisch

Mar 6, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) int he first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) int he first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Major Key For Milwaukee: Hinder Westbrook

Hindering Russell Westbrook is no easy task, but it’s a necessary one for any team wanting to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Westbrook is the engine that drives the Thunder, and when he’s whirling around through defenses it can feel overwhelming for the opposition.

The key for the Bucks here isn’t stopping Westbrook–that might not be possible. All Milwaukee needs to do is slow him down, and force him to take too many shots. Sometimes Westbrook’s trigger-happy nature can be used against him.

In 15 games this season, Westbrook has shot 40 percent or worse from the field. The Thunder are 6-9 in those games. On the other hand, when Westbrook makes at least 50 percent of his shots Oklahoma City is 9-2.

He’ll get his points one way or another. The Bucks need to make sure it takes a lot of shots–and misses–for Westbrook to get up to his insane 30 points per game. If it does, Milwaukee will have a much better shot of winning on Monday.

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