Just days ago, the Milwaukee Bucks seemed to be staring at a sweeping rebuild as trade speculation around Giannis Antetokounmpo intensified, yet the organization once again kept its franchise cornerstone beyond the deadline.
When Giannis Antetokounmpo reaffirmed his commitment to the team that selected him in 2013 and made it clear he intends to suit up again this season, those pushing for a tank were left stunned. Instead of preparing for a reset, Milwaukee now moves forward with a sense of revived belief.
Heading into the break on a high note. pic.twitter.com/0aAQ6UQbCH
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 13, 2026
The Bucks rolled to a 110-93 win on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder, heading into the NBA All-Star break with victories in five of its last six games.
Both sides were short-handed. Giannis Antetokounmpo remained out with a calf injury, Ryan Rollins continued to deal with a foot issue, and head coach Doc Rivers was away from the team to attend a funeral. Oklahoma City also played without key contributors, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein were sidelined with injuries.
Ousmane Dieng and the Bucks overpower the Thunder
Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) smiles after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
In the end, the Bucks brought the sharper edge. Ousmane Dieng hurt his former team with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, while Bobby Portis delivered 15 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals in 29 minutes off the bench. AJ Green connected on five shots from beyond the arc, and Kevin Porter Jr. added seven assists and three steals.
This unexpected group quieted the crowd at Paycom Center and nudged Milwaukee to 23-30, inching the team closer to climbing back into the mix.
This run, which has pulled the team to within one and a half games of the Atlanta Hawks for the final NBA Play-In Tournament spot, is starting to spark hope across Deer District.
Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gestures after his team defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
If Antetokounmpo returns in the near future, Milwaukee’s outlook, which once appeared bleak, could quickly shift toward something far more encouraging as the playoff picture comes into focus.
There is still plenty of work ahead. A depleted roster can grind out victories against other sub .500 teams such as the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Indiana Pacers, and edging an inconsistent Orlando Magic squad or a short-handed Thunder team is hardly cause for celebration. Still, these results carry meaning.
The Bucks are still very much alive. They will use the All Star break to recover and reset, then look to build on this momentum when they take on the Pelicans next week.