Key Takeaways:
- CJ McCollum posted 28 points, including a crucial late 3-pointer, in Washington’s 129-126 victory over Milwaukee
- Kevin Porter Jr. registered 30 points in just his third appearance of the season for the Bucks
- The Wizards claimed their second win in three games, following a prior 14-game losing run
Late Drama Secures Victory for Washington
The Washington Wizards edged out the Milwaukee Bucks 129-126 on Monday night, with CJ McCollum sealing the game in dramatic style. McCollum tallied 28 points, drilling a pivotal step-back three-pointer with 14.4 seconds remaining to put the Wizards out of immediate reach.
Washington, now 3-16 on the season, have shown signs of resurgence by winning two out of their last three fixtures after enduring a prolonged 14-game skid. Milwaukee, in contrast, managed only a split in their recent match-ups against the Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets, both of whom feature among the NBA’s lower-ranked sides.
Back-to-back DUBS in The District 👏 #ForTheDistrict | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/aBs9jg8xZh
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 2, 2025
Clutch Moments and Key Contributions
A tense fourth quarter saw the teams deadlocked at 115 points, following a three-pointer by former Bucks star Khris Middleton for the Wizards. Giannis Antetokounmpo then kept Milwaukee in contention; despite nearly losing the ball while being fouled on a drive, he completed a three-point play with 3:36 remaining, followed up by finishing an alley-oop on the next trip down the floor.
The Wizards responded, as Middleton connected on another triple to reclaim a two-point advantage with 52.2 seconds left. Antetokounmpo, who had earlier been penalised for a free throw violation, was sent to the line with 39.3 seconds remaining but converted only one of his two attempts. McCollum answered decisively, nailing a step-back three just as the shot clock expired to stretch the score to 127-123.
Bilal Coulibaly made a decisive defensive play, stealing the ball before finishing with a dunk with 5.4 seconds left, extending the margin to six points and causing Antetokounmpo to foul out on his sixth personal.
Player Performances and Statistical Highlights
| Player | Team | Points | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJ McCollum | Washington Wizards | 28 | Crucial 3-pointer with 14.4 seconds left |
| Khris Middleton | Washington Wizards | 15 | Two key 3-pointers in clutch situations |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | 26 | 6-of-11 free throws, fouled out late |
| Kevin Porter Jr. | Milwaukee Bucks | 30 | Second game back post knee surgery |
| Bilal Coulibaly | Washington Wizards | 7 | Crucial late steal and dunk |
Kevin Porter Jr. produced an impressive offensive display for Milwaukee, scoring 30 points in just his second return from knee surgery. This outing marked only his third appearance this term, following separate setbacks due to a sprained ankle and a meniscus tear in his right knee. On Saturday, he had contributed 13 points against Brooklyn.
Antetokounmpo finished with 26 points, although his free throw performance was less efficient at 6-for-11. Earlier in the contest, he was also penalised for taking too long to attempt a free throw.
Game Flow and Upcoming Fixtures
Milwaukee had established an 81-65 lead during the third quarter, but Washington responded, pulling level before the period concluded and setting the stage for their late-game heroics.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Host Detroit on Wednesday night
- Washington Wizards: Visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night
