They aren’t easily definable, and you certainly can’t search for them in a box score. But every hoop-head knows them. Feels them as they happen. In their core. They are visceral—the catalysts for pandemonium; ushers of the choral groan.

Momentum moments. It’s not hyperbole to say that games are decided by these. Or is it? Here’s how the Bucks have fared following the crescendo so far.

Early season, on the road—the kind of game you want to take. Tone setting and all that. The game is tight, tension thick. It’s late in the fourth and the Bucks have failed to capitalise on gettable chances to extend a 108-107 lead. Then Immanuel Quickley ties it up on a free throw. Trepidation sets in—but not for Cole Anthony. He catches it in the right corner, drives baseline, then does his best Dr. J impersonation: a one-handed up-and-under, avoiding Scottie Barnes’ contest. So much English, you’d think he’s from the UK. The Bucks never look back; win in the mud.

Win probability after Quickley ties it up: 53.7%

Win probability following Anthony’s finish: 60.9%

The Bucks are down 56-65 to start the third. Gary Trent Jr. makes a nice steal and pushes the fast break. Giannis fills the lane with only Sam Merrill between them. The lob is on—or at least a drive and dish for an easy two. Either way, a gimme to cut the lead. Establish momentum. Instead, Trent pulls up for three and clunks it. The Cavs score twice, extending the lead to 14, and despite the Bucks tying it late in the fourth, they run out of gas and ultimately lose by five.

Win probability before Trent’s miss: 14.7%

Win probability following Trent’s miss: 12.9%

It’s been neck-and-neck since the seven-minute mark of the third. A Giannis free throw and a Prince corner three off a sweet Anthony dime give the Bucks an 93-88 lead. The crowd is in this, and another defensive stop only amplifies it. Then, on a pick and pop, Anthony finds Bobby Portis. Without hesitation, Portis rises for a straightaway three that would push the lead to eight with just 30 seconds left in the period. It misses, and Jordan Clarkson goes on to hit a three-pointer of his own at the other end. The crowd quietens. Kuzma splits a pair of throws, and the Bucks end the quarter up 94-91. They go on to win by ten. No harm, no foul.

Win probability at Portis’ miss: 70.9%

Win probability after Clarkson’s three: 61.7%

Giannis is in street clothes, and the Warriors come out to play—but so do the Bucks in a game where they’re never more than a couple possessions ahead or behind. It’s deep in the fourth—killing season—and Steph Curry does what he does: one at the hoop, a free throw, and a “did-you-even-see-him-get-that-off?” trey that cuts it to two. 106-104 Bucks. 4:03 on the clock. Future All-Star Ryan Rollins tells Draymond Green to hold his beer as he sinks a triple of his own over Al Horford, but there’s no time to celebrate—not when the Chef is cooking. Curry pushes it, uses the Jonathon Kuminga screen to shed Rollins, turns Trent inside out, and heads to the cup. But AJ Green knows a thing or two about positional defence, and he will have none of this nonsense. He stays vertical, takes it in the chest. For the name on the chest. And the scores are never again as close.

Win probability after Curry’s three: 67.3%

Win probability after Green’s stop: 85.3%

The matinee starts like a show: the Bucks fire on all cylinders from three, building a 21-6 lead, and control the game through most of the first half. But the Kings chip away like a sculptor on their magnum opus, and it’s this deliberation that lulls the Fiserv crowd—and the Bucks—to sleep. Suddenly, it’s a six-point game with less than a minute left in the half. Giannis misses a free throw, and then Dennis Schröder gets to work. It’s a slow possession without much action; Schroder is the only one to touch the rock. Pound, pound, pound, he goes. Watching, waiting to unleash his menace. He isolates on the left wing, then calls for a screen. First Zach LaVine, then Domantas Sabonis. The Bucks switch, and Portis is on an island. Schröder finds his rhythm, hints forward—the way one might when trying to kiss—putting Portis on his heels. Then he steps back and drops a three on his head. Keeps his arm extended for the drama. Throws a celly in for good measure. Inhales the moment. Rollins rushes a two-for-one on the other end, and LaVine takes the invitation to splash a three of his own. Trent splits a pair of free throws to end the half, giving the Bucks a one-point edge, but the momentum is all Sactown. And eventually, so is the win.

Win probability after Giannis’ split free throws: 80.5%

Win probability after LaVine’s three: 60.9%

There you have it, five moments in a season sure to be full of them. With three of these unquestionably correlating to the final outcomes, the message is clear: capitalise on the moment or fall victim to its wrath. Share your thoughts on these moments in the comments and stay tuned for more—this segment will run biweekly.