In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to edge past the Washington Wizards with a score of 104-101, despite facing significant challenges due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s foul troubles. Kyle Kuzma, who recently transitioned from Washington to Milwaukee, shone in his former home court, contributing 19 points to the game.
In a significant trade earlier this month, Kuzma moved to the Bucks, while Khris Middleton made his debut for the Wizards, scoring 12 points in his first outing. Additionally, Marcus Smart, who was acquired by Washington from Memphis, also showcased his skills by contributing five points in his debut.
As the match drew to a close, Middleton had a crucial opportunity to secure victory for the Wizards but his last-second 3-point shot fell short, ultimately sealing the Bucks’ win. Despite being limited in playtime due to fouls, Antetokounmpo managed to put up 18 points before fouling out with just over three minutes remaining in the game.
Antetokounmpo’s early foul trouble began in the first quarter, continuing to affect his performance throughout the game. He received another important foul with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter, which forced him to sit out for nearly 12 minutes. Upon his return, the Bucks were up by 11 points, but the Wizards were determined to close the gap.
Rookie Alex Sarr stood out for the Wizards, achieving a personal best with 22 points, further emphasizing the team’s competitive spirit despite facing challenges. The Bucks grappled with the absence of Bobby Portis Jr., who is serving a drug suspension, and Damian Lillard, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Therefore, it was not surprising to see the struggles Milwaukee faced throughout the contest.
Notably, the Wizards, who have been struggling this season, demonstrated resilience even as their key players, Kyshawn George and Jordan Poole, faced poor shooting performances. George finished the game with only one basket from 11 attempts, while Poole managed just three out of 11 shots.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Brook Lopez drew a crucial foul with just 38.5 seconds left, successfully converting both free throws to extend Milwaukee’s lead to 104-101, underscoring the importance of free-throw shooting in tight finishes. Furthermore, Milwaukee demonstrated their dominance in the paint, outscoring the Wizards 50-34.
Both teams will look to bounce back quickly as they prepare for their next games on Sunday. The Bucks will face the Miami Heat at home, while the Wizards will hit the road to take on the Orlando Magic.
