Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting OKC Thunder

Third key to victory when hosting OKC Thunder — Milwaukee Bucks need to win the 3-point battle

3-point shooting has been a consistent theme for the Bucks this season, whether good or bad. Sunday night’s matchup against the Thunder fell into the latter category, and it was no coincidence that the Bucks lost because of it.

Offensively, the Bucks were having a tough time converting from long-range, shooting a whopping 13-of-38 (34.2 percent) from deep. They were challenged getting their shots to drop, partially thanks to Oklahoma City’s top-tier 3-point defense. Opponents have been challenged shooting the deep ball against the Thunder’s defense this season, connecting on just 35.4 percent of their shots from distance.

The Bucks, who are one of the best shooting teams in the association, fell victim to such circumstances. It goes without saying that this team is better when their shots are falling from range, but it will be pivotal against this Thunder team particularly.

It certainly did not help that the Thunder shot 15-of-36 (41.7 percent) from the perimeter themselves, given that they are typically a middle of the pack shooting team percentage wise. Milwaukee’s lackluster 3-point defense is nothing new, but it continues hindering their success, and this game was the perfect example.

Tightening up their defense while also hitting their own shots from 3-point territory is the biggest factor in this matchup, and hopefully, the Bucks can get it right in this rematch.

It should be a thrilling matchup between the Bucks and Thunder tonight at Fiserv Forum, and you can catch that action at 6:30 p.m. CST on Fox Sports Wisconsin for those locally.