Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when visiting OKC Thunder

Second key to victory when visiting OKC Thunder — Milwaukee Bucks need a strong first quarter

In most of their matchups, the Bucks have set the tone early on with a strong showing in the opening 12 minutes of action. They currently lead the league in first quarter scoring with an average of 31.3 points, and that excellence in the open period oftentimes tends to carry over for the remaining 36 minutes.

Bringing this energy from the opening tip will be critical against an OKC Thunder team that has been among the worst offensively in the first quarter this season. The Thunder have managed to score an average of just 26.5 points in the first quarter this season, which is tied for the 25th-worst in the league.

Putting points on the scoreboard has not been OKC’s strong suit this season, but they have also struggled to keep their opponents at bay defensively in this same opening timeframe. And that has resulted in the Thunder having the third-worst net rating in first quarters this season.

For the Bucks, a team that excels in the opening minutes, making their mark early in this game will be crucial against a team on the opposite side of the spectrum. As evidenced by their play against the Utah Jazz Friday night, the Bucks find themselves in a hole fairly quickly when the opposing team outduels them in the first quarter. Setting the tone early should be a clear emphasis for Milwaukee in this game.