The Milwaukee Bucks secured a solid 112-101 victory against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night at Fiserv Forum, marking their rebound from a previous loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks achieved this win without two of their biggest stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, both sidelined due to injury, but the team's depth proved to be their greatest asset.
Bobby Portis was the clear hero of the night, delivering an outstanding performance with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, just shy of his first career triple-double. Portis, who had previously faced scrutiny for his inconsistent play, showcased his capacity to lead the team, hitting 10 of his first 11 shots and contributing significantly to Milwaukee's improved ball movement.
“He was sensational,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said after the game, acknowledging Portis’s impact. “If Dame hadn’t told him he had two assists left to get a triple-double, he probably would have gotten it.” The veteran’s ability to score effectively and distribute the ball exemplified his growth as he incorporated his playmaking skills alongside his scoring prowess.
Khris Middleton, another veteran player, made his first start of the season after recovering from injury. Middleton played 24 minutes, scoring 18 points, bringing down six rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. His performance indicated promising signs of his return to form which the Bucks desperately need as they navigate the season without key players.
“I thought tonight would be a great shot to see what a back-to-back felt like and hopefully move past the stage where I can’t play back-to-backs anymore,” Middleton said. His willingness to step up during high-pressure situations reassured fans and teammates alike as the Bucks look to build momentum.
For the Wizards, Jordan Poole was the standout performer, contributing 26 points after impressive shooting from beyond the arc. Poole's strong start to the game helped keep Washington competitive initially, but the team's lack of consistent support from others proved to be their downfall. Bilal Coulibaly was another bright spot for the Wizards, finishing with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. His defensive efforts, which included three steals, highlighted his development as he seeks to solidify his role as a key playmaker for Washington.
The Wizards entered the game on the back of a victory over the Charlotte Hornets, raising expectations of continued improvement. Unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on the Bucks' absences, again demonstrating their inconsistency. “At times, we are our own biggest enemy,” noted Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr., reflecting on the need for his team to find more consistency moving forward.
Despite Washington shooting 72% during the first quarter, they managed to only tie the game at 36-36, showing signs of early promise. Yet as the game progressed, their execution faltered against the Bucks’ defense. Milwaukee pulled away, leading by as many as 26 points at one point.
“We shot the ball well early, but we didn’t defend,” Unseld said post-game. “You can’t win games if you don’t play defense consistently.” The Wizards have already faced numerous struggles throughout the season, now sitting at 4-22, and this loss adds to the pressure of competing moving forward.
Ryan Rollins also turned heads for the Bucks, starting as point guard and contributing 14 points. His ability to push the tempo and create scoring opportunities gave the Bucks additional firepower. “He’s been building confidence,” Rivers commented on Rollins' performance. His ability to add depth to the rotation is much needed as Milwaukee monitors Lillard and Antetokounmpo’s recovery.
Next up for the Wizards is a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They will seek to recover from this loss and turn their season around. Meanwhile, the Bucks will look to continue this winning momentum against their next opponent, the Chicago Bulls, as they hope to build on their cohesive team play and the return of Middleton.
The NBA season continues to shape up with teams vying for playoff positions, and the Bucks are demonstrating potential resilience even with injuries on their roster. This victory is just what the team needed to boost morale as they prepare for the challenges of the next few weeks.
