The Washington Wizards continued their winning streak on Sunday night, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 118-95 at the Fiserv Forum. It was the fifth win in a row for the Wizards, their first such streak of the season. [BOX SCORE]
Washington Wizards Take Down Milwaukee Bucks for Fifth Straight Win
The Bucks, on the other hand, lost for the fifth time in their last six games, with only four losses at home this season. The Wizards were without leading scorer Bradley Beal, who missed the game due to left hamstring soreness. Read more: Highlights – Jokic triple-double helps Nuggets cool off Celtics 123-111
However, they were able to rely on the strong performances of Rui Hachimura and Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 26 and 22 points, respectively. Daniel Gafford also contributed 17 points and seven rebounds, while Corey Kispert had 12 points and six rebounds.
Deni Avdija and Kyle Kuzma both recorded double-doubles, with 11 points and 12 boards for Avdija, and 10 points and 13 rebounds for Kuzma. As a team, the Wizards shot 53.2% from the field, including 57.4% in the first half.
Short-handed Bucks fall short
The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee soreness), Khris Middleton (right knee soreness), and Jrue Holiday (non-COVID illness). Veteran guard George Hill was also absent due to illness.
Bobby Portis led Milwaukee in scoring and rebounding, with 19 points and 10 boards. Jevon Carter added 14 points, while Grayson Allen chipped in 13 points and eight assists.
Brook Lopez, who averages 14.8 points per game, was held to just eight points and 10 rebounds in the loss. The Bucks shot 35.4% from the field as a team, including 34.6% in the first half.
The Wizards dominated in the paint, outscoring the Bucks 72-26, and also had a significant advantage in fast break points, 22-8. The Bucks outscored the Wizards in second-chance points, 20-17.
Both teams will face off again on Tuesday night in Milwaukee.
Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday are expected to return for the Bucks, while Beal could also make an appearance for the Wizards. It should be an exciting matchup as both teams look to secure a win in the second half of the back-to-back series.
