Much of that was because of Westbrook, the second-year point guard who downplayed the matchup with Jennings.

"I don't get buzzed up for anybody. I just go out and play my game, regardless of who it is. It could be Chris Paul, him, Deron Williams, Steve Nash," Westbrook said. "There are a lot of good point guards in this league. You can't just talk about one, and I just go out and do what I can."

The Thunder made six of their first nine shots, while Milwaukee missed 10 of 13 as Oklahoma City built a 16-9 lead. Oklahoma City was 10 for 10 on free throws before James Harden missed a pair with 28 seconds left in the first period.

Oklahoma City led 31-26 after one period, as Milwaukee shot poorly overall but made 4 of 7 from 3-point range and was 6 for 6 on free throws. After the Thunder took a 35-29 lead early in the second quarter, the Bucks outscored Oklahoma City 17-5 to go up 46-40 with six minutes left in the first half.

NOTES: Milwaukee and Oklahoma City are two of the youngest and most improved teams in the NBA. "It's very difficult to win in this league with young, inexperienced players because they're too inconsistent," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. ... Milwaukee assistant coach Kelvin Sampson returned to familiar territory. He coached at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, an Oklahoma City suburb. Both of his children graduated from Norman High School and OU. "I love coaching in the NBA," Sampson said. "The talent of the players is extraordinary, and the teams really play great basketball. There are a lot of misconceptions about the league." The Thunder waived forward Ryan Bowen and signed point guard Mike Wilks.