Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a masterful performance Saturday night, recording 42 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 124-114 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Antetokounmpo’s triple-double marked his third in the last six games, underscoring his dominance as the Bucks extended their win streak to six games.
Returning after missing the Bucks’ previous outing due to left knee swelling, Antetokounmpo wasted no time reclaiming his form. His efficiency was on full display, shooting 15-of-24 from the field and 12-of-17 from the free-throw line. The two-time MVP controlled the pace, leading Milwaukee to its first time above .500 (10-9) since the opening game of the season.
Lillard’s Steady Hand and Lopez’s Inside Presence
Damian Lillard provided the perfect complement to Antetokounmpo’s brilliance, finishing with 25 points and 10 assists. His timely playmaking and ability to stretch the floor kept Washington’s defense scrambling. Brook Lopez added 18 points, proving once again how vital his inside scoring and rim protection are to Milwaukee’s resurgence.
Poole and Brogdon Shine in Wizards’ Loss
On the other side, the Wizards put up a fight, led by Jordan Poole’s 31 points and Malcolm Brogdon’s 29 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their efforts, Washington’s losing streak stretched to 14 games. Missing Kyle Kuzma due to a sprained rib, the Wizards lacked the depth to counter Milwaukee’s firepower late in the game.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Key Moment: A Late Collapse for Washington
Washington trailed just 105-103 with under five minutes remaining, but momentum quickly shifted. Poole missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer and committed two costly turnovers during a critical stretch. Milwaukee capitalized, scoring 10 straight points to put the game out of reach. A double technical called on Poole and Milwaukee’s Taurean Prince further exemplified the Wizards’ frustration.
Takeaways: Milwaukee Finding Its Groove
For Milwaukee, the win showcased their steady progression after a rocky start to the season. Now riding a six-game win streak, the Bucks are showing signs of cohesion, particularly between Antetokounmpo and Lillard. Their ability to dominate late-game situations has been a key factor in their resurgence.
For Washington, the loss highlighted their struggles in closing out games. While Poole and Brogdon delivered strong individual performances, the Wizards’ youth and lack of composure in high-pressure moments continue to cost them.
Giannis on Another Level
Antetokounmpo’s recent run of triple-doubles is a testament to his all-around dominance. In the last two weeks alone, he’s posted similar stat lines, including 37 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds against Indiana and 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists in a narrow loss to Charlotte. His ability to impact every facet of the game is fueling Milwaukee’s resurgence.
The Impact of Lillard’s Playmaking
Lillard’s presence has been instrumental in taking some playmaking pressure off Antetokounmpo. His ability to orchestrate the offense and deliver in crunch time has added a new dimension to Milwaukee’s attack, creating opportunities for role players like Lopez and Prince to thrive.
Washington’s Defensive Woes Persist
Defensively, the Wizards struggled to contain Milwaukee’s dynamic duo. While their effort to keep pace offensively was commendable, their inability to generate stops down the stretch proved decisive. Without Kuzma, their defense lacked the versatility needed to counter the Bucks’ offensive sets.
Looking Ahead
Both teams head into Tuesday’s NBA Cup action with contrasting fortunes. The Bucks will visit Detroit, looking to extend their win streak to seven games and further solidify their standing. Meanwhile, the Wizards face a daunting task in Cleveland, hoping to snap their 14-game skid and regain some semblance of competitiveness.
Milwaukee’s upward trajectory, led by Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level performances and Lillard’s steady leadership, positions them as a rising force in the Eastern Conference. In contrast, Washington faces mounting pressure to find answers amid a season that continues to spiral downward.
