Stepping in for Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham praised the team’s defensive effort in Thursday’s 110-93 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“They’re an aggressive defensive team. So for us, sometimes your best offense is your defense,” remarked Ham during his post-game availability.
Ham attributed the strong performance to the coaching staff and the team’s chemistry on the court.
“Shoutout to Coach [Greg Buckner], grinding since I’ve been here, and again with the leadership with Doc, and our offense, Dave Joerger, all of us just pitching in. It was a total team effort, but our defense tonight was spectacular.”
Darvin Ham leads the Bucks over the Thunder
Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham talks to media members before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
In his first game against his former team since the trade, Ousmane Dieng led Milwaukee with 19 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. AJ Green contributed 17 points, and Bobby Portis recorded 15 points along with 12 boards.
“Against a team like that — and I know they had people out of the lineup — that’s a championship team top to bottom. You saw what they did to Phoenix last night. We came in ready and we’re ready to trust our habits,” Darvin Ham continued.
Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center/forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Playing without MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Thunder leaned on Isaiah Joe, who scored 17 points, and Chet Holmgren, who finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Nikola Topic also made his NBA debut after recovering from testicular cancer, recording two points, one rebound, and one assist in 12 minutes.
Darvin Ham and the Bucks dictated the tempo for much of the first half, taking a 67-55 lead into the break, then stretching the margin to 89-73 in the third quarter. Milwaukee continued to build separation in the fourth, expanding the advantage to 24 points.