Ousmane Dieng’s Breakout Performance Signals Bucks’ Depth and Thunder’s Resilience
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a decisive 110-93 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, February 12, 2026, but the story wasn’t just about the score. It was about the emergence of Ousmane Dieng, the former Thunder player who delivered a dominant performance against his old team, and the broader implications for both franchises.
Dieng’s All-Around Excellence: A Glimpse into the Future
Ousmane Dieng showcased a complete skillset, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. This marked his first double-double of the season and a clear indication of his growing confidence and impact. Traded by the Thunder prior to the deadline, Dieng appears to be thriving in his novel environment.
Navigating Adversity: Key Absences on Both Sides
The game was played with significant absences on both rosters. The Bucks were without All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a right calf strain, and coach Doc Rivers was absent, with Darvin Ham filling in. The Thunder were missing reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) and Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), both of whom are expected to be re-evaluated after the All-Star break.
Despite these key absences, both teams demonstrated resilience. The Thunder, coming off wins against the Lakers and Phoenix, saw contributions from Isaiah Joe (17 points) and Chet Holmgren (16 points, 13 rebounds). Milwaukee, even without Antetokounmpo, found scoring from AJ Green (17 points) and Bobby Portis (15 points, 12 rebounds).
Nikola Topic’s Inspiring NBA Debut
Perhaps one of the most heartwarming moments of the night was the NBA debut of Nikola Topic. After overcoming a battle with testicular cancer and a prior ACL tear, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 draft finally stepped onto the court, receiving a resounding ovation from the Oklahoma City crowd. He finished with two points, one rebound, and one assist in 12 minutes of play.
Topic’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of the human spirit. His debut serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.
Bucks’ Dominance and Thunder’s Third-Quarter Struggles
Milwaukee controlled the majority of the first half, leading 67-55 at the break. However, the Bucks truly pulled away in the third quarter, limiting the Thunder to just 16 points and extending their lead to 89-73. They continued to build on that advantage in the fourth, ultimately securing a comfortable 110-93 victory.
Looking Ahead: What This Game Reveals
This game highlighted the depth of the Milwaukee Bucks, their ability to win even without their superstar. It similarly showcased the Thunder’s potential, even when facing adversity and missing key players. The emergence of players like Dieng and the inspiring return of Topic suggest a bright future for both franchises.
FAQ
Q: What was Ousmane Dieng’s stat line in the game?
A: Dieng had 19 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks.
Q: Who was absent from the game for the Bucks?
A: Giannis Antetokounmpo was out with a calf strain, and coach Doc Rivers was attending a funeral.
Q: Who was absent from the game for the Thunder?
A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were both out with injuries.
Q: What made Nikola Topic’s debut special?
A: Topic had overcome testicular cancer and a torn ACL to make his NBA debut.
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