Wizards Outlast Bucks As George And Sarr Shine In D.C.

The Washington Wizards delivered a spirited home performance on January 29, 2026, overcoming the Milwaukee Bucks 109-99 at Capital One Arena. For Wizards fans, this win meant more than just another tick in the victory column—it marked their first set of back-to-back wins since the turn of the new year, snapping a long stretch of inconsistency. On the other side, the Bucks’ woes continued, as they dropped their third game in a row and fell to 3-13 when Giannis Antetokounmpo is absent from the lineup due to a nagging calf injury.

From the opening tip, the Wizards played with a sense of urgency and cohesion that’s eluded them for much of the season. Kyshawn George, the rookie who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite in D.C., set the tone early and never let up. George finished with a team-high 23 points, adding five rebounds, five assists, and two steals, orchestrating the offense and coming up with timely plays on both ends. According to multiple outlets, George’s impact was felt immediately, as he scored early buckets and relentlessly attacked the Bucks’ defense.

But George wasn’t alone in lifting the Wizards. Alex Sarr, who had been listed as questionable before tip-off due to illness, turned in a career night with 16 points and a personal best 17 rebounds. Sarr’s presence on the boards proved vital, especially in the third quarter. With the Bucks threatening to close the gap, Sarr’s block set up Bilal Coulibaly for a fast-break dunk, stretching the Wizards’ lead to 70-55 with just over six minutes left in the third. Sarr also knocked down a crucial three-pointer later in the quarter, helping Washington maintain a comfortable cushion.

“We just wanted to play hard and stick to our game plan,” Sarr said postgame, according to Field Level Media. “Everyone contributed tonight, and that’s what it takes to win in this league.”

The Wizards’ bench was a major factor as well. Bub Carrington and Khris Middleton each chipped in 13 points, while Justin Champagnie added 12 points off the bench, providing a spark during critical stretches. The team’s depth was on full display, especially during the first half when Washington used a pair of impressive runs to seize control. An 11-0 burst late in the first quarter, capped by a Champagnie layup in transition, gave the Wizards a 33-23 advantage early in the second. Not long after, George drilled a deep 30-foot three-pointer to punctuate a 14-2 run, extending the lead to 52-35 with just over three minutes left before halftime. By the break, Washington led 57-43, having outscored the Bucks 32-20 in the second quarter.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, struggled to find a consistent rhythm on offense, especially with Antetokounmpo sidelined. Myles Turner did all he could to keep the Bucks afloat, posting a monster stat line of 21 points, a season-high 14 rebounds, and six blocks. Turner’s presence in the paint and timely shooting—including a clutch three-pointer that cut the Wizards’ lead to 101-99 with just 1:30 left—kept Milwaukee within striking distance. Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis each contributed 19 points, while Ryan Rollins added 17, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Washington’s balanced attack and relentless hustle.

The Bucks’ night was further complicated by injuries and foul trouble. Ryan Rollins, who had provided a scoring punch early in the third quarter, was forced to leave the game late with a leg injury, leaving Milwaukee without a true creator in crunch time. The Bucks’ bench was also hampered by the absence of key contributors like Kevin Porter Jr., Taurean Prince, and Gary Harris, all sidelined by various ailments. The lack of depth and playmaking was evident as the Wizards closed the game on an 8-0 run, sealing the victory with clutch free throws from Carrington, Middleton, and Coulibaly, after Sarr’s floater had restored a four-point advantage.

“We just couldn’t get over the hump,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers commented after the game. “Every time we made a run, they answered back. Credit to Washington—they played with a lot of energy and made their free throws.”

Indeed, the free-throw disparity was a key storyline. Washington attempted 28 free throws compared to just nine for Milwaukee, reflecting the Wizards’ aggressive drives and the Bucks’ struggles to generate downhill offense without Giannis. This edge at the charity stripe helped Washington weather several Milwaukee runs and maintain their composure late.

The Bucks’ shooting actually outpaced the Wizards in terms of field goal percentage, but the inability to get to the line—and capitalize on second-chance opportunities—proved costly. Milwaukee’s offense, which averages 112.1 points per game on the season, was held to just 99, well below their usual output. The Wizards, who typically allow 122.8 points per game, clamped down on defense when it mattered most, limiting the Bucks to just 20 points in the pivotal second quarter and holding firm in the fourth.

For Washington, the victory was a much-needed confidence boost. The team, now 12-34, has endured a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent play. Still, the emergence of young talents like George, Sarr, and Carrington offers hope for the future. The Wizards’ ability to close out tight games and execute in pressure moments has been a work in progress, but Thursday’s win showed real signs of growth.

“It feels great to get two in a row,” George said in the locker room, per Field Level Media. “We’re learning how to finish games and trust each other. That’s what it’s all about.”

Looking ahead, the Bucks will need to regroup quickly as they seek to snap their losing streak and get healthy. The status of Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a major question mark, and the team’s playoff hopes hinge on his return. The Wizards, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum as they aim to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement and give their fans something to cheer about in the season’s second half.

As the final buzzer sounded in D.C., it was clear that this wasn’t just another game for the Wizards. With a blend of youthful exuberance and timely execution, they sent a message that they’re not content to be overlooked. For the Bucks, the search for answers continues, but one thing’s for sure—the NBA season is far from over, and every night brings a new opportunity for redemption or surprise.