Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Milwaukee, WI–
As the 2025-26 season kicked off tonight in Milwaukee, it was an emotional homecoming for Khris Middleton and the fans gave him nothing but love, but unfortunately the Bucks put on an offensive clinic from start to finish and sent the Wizards to a 133-120 loss.
Middleton led the Wizards with 23 points on 9 for 14 from the field and 3 for 5 from long range.
The Bucks shot 8 for 13 (61.5%) from long range to take a 40-23 lead after the first quarter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo only needed 27 minutes tonight to score 37 points and grab 14 rebounds, but it was what he did early in the fourth quarter that sank the Wizards as they pulled as close as 8 points at 109-101 with 9:12 remaining in the game after Corey Kispert hit a three pointer.
Khris Middleton made his presence felt most of the second half and his14-footer capped a 12-0 run to start the third period as Washington got the margin down to 72-65.
Washington had further issues later in the fourth quarter when they went almost 5 minutes without hitting a basket.
Antetokounmpo put the game out of reach with another driving dunk with 5:58 remaining giving the Bucks a 118-101 advantage.
Despite being out of the game for the most of the first half, it was the second half effort by Wizards new additions Cam Whitmore and Tre Johnson who combined for 30 points off the bench.
Overall, the Wizards have quite a bit to work on before facing Dallas on Friday night, but it is a step in the right direction. The core of young players gave quite a bit tonight against a tough shooting team in the Bucks. One player that had a night off was Alex Sarr, who Wizards are expecting big things from this season finished with just 10 points.
The Wizards head to Dallas for a game against the Mavs on Friday Night and then head back to D.C for their home opener on Sunday.
