Wizards Defeat Bucks 109 to 99 as Giannis Antetokounmpo Misses Second Straight Game

WASHINGTON -- Washington continued its late season push Thursday night as Kyshawn George scored 23 points and Alex Sarr delivered a 16 point 17 rebound performance to lead the Wizards to a 109 to 99 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, who again played without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the latest NBA breaking update.

Antetokounmpo missed his second consecutive game with a calf strain as trade speculation and injury concerns continue to surround the two time MVP. Without their franchise centerpiece, Milwaukee struggled to generate consistent offense and fell for the fourth straight time, dropping seven of its last eight games and further complicating its Eastern Conference outlook.

Washington controlled the game physically and statistically, finishing with a decisive 61 to 43 rebounding advantage that dictated tempo and limited second chance opportunities. Sarr anchored the interior on both ends, while George provided efficient perimeter scoring as the Wizards earned their second consecutive victory.

Khris Middleton and Bub Carrington each scored 13 points for Washington, which built an 18 point lead in the second quarter and carried a 57 to 43 advantage into halftime. The Wizards held Milwaukee to 34.6 percent shooting overall and just 21.7 percent from three point range in the first half, their most effective defensive opening of the season.

Milwaukee received 21 points and 14 rebounds from Myles Turner, who shouldered a heavy workload as the Bucks attempted to compensate for their depleted frontcourt. Bobby Portis Jr and Kyle Porter added 19 points apiece, but the Bucks were unable to sustain momentum late. The team entered the night 12th in the Eastern Conference and four games out of the final play in position, a gap that continues to widen as injuries mount.

Washington faced its own concern when rookie Tre Johnson rolled his left ankle after converting a jumper with 11:10 remaining in the second quarter. Johnson exited the game several minutes later and did not return. The Wizards did not immediately provide an update, and his status will be monitored closely as part of the teams short term roster timeline.

Milwaukee mounted a late push in the fourth quarter, trimming an eight point deficit to three after a Ryan Rollins three pointer and a turnaround jumper from Kyle Kuzma. Turner later connected on a three from Kuzma to make it 101 to 99 with 1:30 remaining, but Washington closed decisively. Sarr answered with a runner, Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly each made two free throws, and the Wizards held the Bucks scoreless on their final four possessions.

What this means moving forward is increased urgency for Milwaukee as it awaits Antetokounmpos return while navigating a tightening playoff race. For Washington, the latest result reflects improved defensive execution and interior control that could influence lineup decisions and development priorities down the stretch.

Next steps see the Bucks traveling to Boston on Sunday as they look to halt their slide, while the Wizards host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night with an opportunity to extend their momentum against a high profile opponent.