The Washington Wizards pulled off one of their most dramatic victories of the season by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 129-126 at Capital One Arena, completing a late comeback and snapping another chapter in what has been an unexpectedly competitive stretch for a rebuilding roster. Despite entering the matchup with a 3-16 record, Washington showed resilience, confidence, and composure in the closing moments to overturn a Bucks team that had led by as many as 16 points.
The game delivered a blend of elite shooting, clutch shot-making, and momentum swings, highlighted by CJ McCollum’s late three-pointer and a decisive defensive play from Bilal Coulibaly that sealed the result. Milwaukee’s efficiency from the field and deep-range shooting made them dangerous throughout, but Washington’s physicality in the paint and ability to capitalize on turnovers ultimately defined the outcome.
The match player stats were closely analyzed following the Washington Wizards Vs Milwaukee Bucks Capital One Arena clash.
| Category | Milwaukee Bucks | Washington Wizards |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 126 | 129 |
| Field Goals | 46-84 | 53-102 |
| Field Goal % | 55% | 52% |
| Three Pointers | 21-38 | 13-36 |
| Three Point % | 55% | 36% |
| Free Throws | 13-21 | 10-15 |
| Free Throw % | 62% | 67% |
| Total Rebounds | 35 | 41 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 7 | 14 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 28 | 27 |
| Assists | 29 | 29 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Points Off Turnovers | 17 | 18 |
| Fast Break Points | 14 | 11 |
| Points In The Paint | 34 | 58 |
| Fouls | 16 | 17 |
| Technical Fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant Fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Largest Lead | 16 | 6 |
| Attendance | 13,709 | 13,709 |
| Venue | Capital One Arena | Capital One Arena |
| Team Record | 9-13 | 3-16 |
The Wizards outscored Milwaukee 38-32 in the fourth quarter, overturning a deficit that had built through three quarters and flipping the contest in front of a crowd of 13,709 in Washington, DC.
Final Score
Washington Wizards 129
Milwaukee Bucks 126
Quarter By Quarter Game Flow
Milwaukee controlled much of the opening half, shooting with remarkable efficiency and spacing the floor with confidence. The Bucks took a 34-28 lead after the first quarter and extended that advantage to 66-58 by halftime. Their offensive balance and perimeter shooting kept Washington scrambling defensively.
The third quarter followed a similar script, with Milwaukee building their largest lead at 81-65 before Washington mounted a rally that brought the game back within reach before the end of the period. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Wizards had momentum and belief, turning the final stretch into a showcase of late-game execution.
Scoring by quarter:
Milwaukee Bucks
First Quarter: 34
Second Quarter: 32
Third Quarter: 28
Fourth Quarter: 32
Total: 126
Washington Wizards
First Quarter: 28
Second Quarter: 30
Third Quarter: 33
Fourth Quarter: 38
Total: 129
The fourth quarter was decisive, with Washington scoring 38 points in the final 12 minutes, overwhelming Milwaukee’s defense and forcing mistakes that shifted control of the game.
Key moments from the final period included:
- CJ McCollum’s step-back three with 14.4 seconds remaining
- Bilal Coulibaly’s steal and dunk with 5.4 seconds left
- Khris Middleton’s clutch three to give Washington a late lead
- Giannis Antetokounmpo fouling out on the final defensive stand
CJ McCollum Delivers Clutch Leadership
CJ McCollum led Washington with 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting, showing elite shot creation and composure when it mattered most. His defining moment came with 14.4 seconds remaining when he buried a step-back three-pointer at the end of the shot clock, extending Washington’s lead to four and swinging the game decisively in their favor.
McCollum was aggressive off the dribble, confident from mid-range, and deadly when Milwaukee tried to switch defenders. His presence stabilized the Wizards late, allowing younger players to stay composed during high-pressure possessions.
McCollum’s impact included:
- 28 total points
- 11 made field goals
- 2-of-3 from the free throw line
- Game-sealing three-point shot
- Primary scoring option in clutch moments
Kevin Porter Jr. Explodes For Milwaukee
Kevin Porter Jr. was the offensive engine for Milwaukee, scoring a game-high 30 points on an outstanding 12-of-15 shooting. In just his third game of the season after returning from knee surgery, Porter displayed elite efficiency and shot confidence, repeatedly punishing Washington’s defense with strong drives and perimeter jumpers.
Despite his performance, Milwaukee could not close the game, as Washington’s defensive pressure and rebounding late in the fourth quarter shifted the flow.
Porter’s standout performance featured:
- 30 points
- 80 percent shooting from the field
- 1-of-2 from the free throw line
- Strong scoring in transition
- Offensive spark throughout the game
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Physical Presence
Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 26 points and led Milwaukee in rebounding with seven boards, split between four defensive and three offensive rebounds. He was dominant in transition and in the paint, using his size and athleticism to generate scoring opportunities even when Washington collapsed defensively.
However, his struggles at the free throw line proved costly. Antetokounmpo went 6-of-11 from the stripe, leaving key points unclaimed in a game decided by just three points. He also fouled out in the closing seconds after Coulibaly’s steal and dunk, removing Milwaukee’s defensive anchor when they needed him most.
Giannis’ night included:
- 26 points
- 7 rebounds
- Strong interior scoring
- Missed free throws in critical moments
- Sixth foul in the final seconds
Marvin Bagley III Controls The Glass For Washington
Marvin Bagley III led all players with eight rebounds, including six on the offensive end. His activity around the rim created second-chance opportunities and allowed Washington to dominate inside scoring despite Milwaukee’s superior shooting percentages.
Washington finished with 41 rebounds compared to Milwaukee’s 35, a significant edge that translated directly into extra possessions and points in the paint.
Bagley’s rebounding impact included:
- 8 total rebounds
- 6 offensive rebounds
- Extra possessions created
- Physical interior presence
Kuzma And Middleton Provide Playmaking Balance
Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton each finished with six assists for their respective teams, giving structure and balance to their offenses.
Kuzma, in just 20 minutes, managed the flow efficiently for Washington, keeping ball movement sharp and spacing intact. Middleton, playing against his former team, hit one of the biggest shots of the game, draining a three-pointer that tied the contest at 115 late in the fourth quarter.
Playmaking highlights:
- Kuzma: 6 assists, 2 turnovers
- Middleton: 6 assists, 2 turnovers
- Both provided late-game composure
- Middleton hit a crucial late three
Team Shooting Efficiency Tells Two Stories
Milwaukee shot with exceptional efficiency, converting 55 percent of their field goals and a remarkable 55 percent from three-point range.
Washington countered with volume and balance, taking more shots and dominating inside.
Milwaukee Bucks:
- Field Goals: 46-of-84
- Field Goal Percentage: 55%
- Three Pointers: 21-of-38
- Three Point Percentage: 55%
- Free Throws: 13-of-21
- Free Throw Percentage: 62%
Washington Wizards:
- Field Goals: 53-of-102
- Field Goal Percentage: 52%
- Three Pointers: 13-of-36
- Three Point Percentage: 36%
- Free Throws: 10-of-15
- Free Throw Percentage: 67%
Milwaukee’s superior shooting was offset by Washington’s dominance in the paint and on the offensive glass.
Shooting and scoring balance:
- Bucks dominated perimeter shooting
- Wizards controlled inside scoring
- Wizards attempted 18 more shots
- Extra possessions fueled the comeback
Points In The Paint And Physical Dominance
Washington crushed Milwaukee in points in the paint, winning that category 58-34. That interior control defined the Wizards’ identity in this matchup, forcing Milwaukee to collapse defensively and opening lanes for kick-out passes and offensive rebounds.
Paint dominance included:
- Wizards scored 58 points inside
- Bucks managed only 34
- Bagley and Coulibaly led interior attacks
- Giannis was forced into heavy defensive rotations
Turnovers And Defensive Pressure
Turnovers proved another decisive area. Milwaukee committed 17 turnovers compared to Washington’s 10. That differential gave the Wizards extra opportunities and prevented the Bucks from fully capitalizing on their shooting efficiency.
Turnover comparison:
- Bucks turnovers: 17
- Wizards turnovers: 10
- Wizards scored 18 points off turnovers
- Bucks scored 17 points off turnovers
Washington also recorded nine steals, using active hands and anticipation to disrupt Milwaukee’s rhythm in the fourth quarter.
Defensive hustle included:
- 9 steals for Washington
- 5 steals for Milwaukee
- Equal blocks at 4 each
- Aggressive ball pressure late
Rebounding And Possession Control
Washington won the rebounding battle 41-35, including a massive 14-7 edge in offensive rebounds. That advantage translated directly into scoring chances and helped wear down Milwaukee’s defense.
Rebounding breakdown:
Washington Wizards:
- Total rebounds: 41
- Offensive rebounds: 14
- Defensive rebounds: 27
Milwaukee Bucks:
- Total rebounds: 35
- Offensive rebounds: 7
- Defensive rebounds: 28
Those extra possessions fueled Washington’s comeback, especially during their fourth-quarter surge.
Late Game Sequence That Defined The Match
The final four minutes produced a thrilling exchange of momentum:
- Khris Middleton tied the game at 115 with a three
- Giannis converted a three-point play
- Middleton hit another late three to retake the lead
- Giannis made just one of two free throws
- McCollum drilled a step-back three
- Coulibaly stole the ball and dunked
- Giannis picked up his sixth foul
That sequence showcased Washington’s execution under pressure and Milwaukee’s missed opportunities at the line.
What The Win Means For Washington
The Wizards improved to 3-16 and have now won two of their last three games after enduring a 14-game losing streak. The win sends a strong message about the team’s competitiveness and growth.
Key indicators of progress:
- Late-game composure
- Strong rebounding identity
- Balanced scoring attack
- Defensive intensity in closing minutes
What The Loss Means For Milwaukee
Milwaukee dropped to 9-13 and missed a critical opportunity to build momentum against a lower-ranked opponent. Despite elite shooting, defensive lapses and turnovers proved costly.
Areas that stood out:
- Missed free throws
- Turnovers under pressure
- Lack of interior control
- Inability to close late
This game served as a reminder that efficiency alone is not enough without discipline and execution when the margin for error is small.
