Wizards defeat short-handed Bucks 109-99 as Giannis Antetokounmpo misses second straight game

Milwaukee’s rebounding deficit and first-half shooting struggles shape Thursday loss in Washington

The Milwaukee Bucks fell 109-99 to the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, January 29, 2026, at Capital One Arena, playing a second straight game without Giannis Antetokounmpo because of a calf strain. The result dropped Milwaukee to 18-28, while Washington improved to 12-34.

Washington built the foundation of its win before halftime, taking a 57-43 lead into the break after outscoring Milwaukee 32-20 in the second quarter. The Wizards’ early control was reinforced by rebounding and free-throw production that proved decisive over four quarters.

George and Sarr lead Washington; Turner anchors Milwaukee’s interior

Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 23 points. Alex Sarr posted 16 points and 17 rebounds, giving Washington a consistent interior presence and second-chance opportunities. Bub Carrington added 13 points for Washington.

For Milwaukee, Myles Turner recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks. Bobby Portis Jr. scored 19, and Kyle Kuzma added 19 in a game where the Bucks repeatedly attempted to climb back from a double-digit deficit.

Rebounding and free throws separate the teams

Washington finished with a 61-43 advantage on the glass, including 18 offensive rebounds. The Wizards also went 25-of-28 at the free-throw line, while Milwaukee attempted nine free throws and made seven.

• Rebounds: Wizards 61, Bucks 43
• Free throws: Wizards 25-of-28, Bucks 7-of-9
• 3-point shooting: Bucks 10-of-38, Wizards 8-of-35

Milwaukee’s perimeter shooting was a key challenge. The Bucks made 26.3% of their 3-point attempts, limiting the efficiency of several possessions despite generating 98 field-goal attempts.

Late push falls short after 101-99 moment

Milwaukee trimmed the margin in the fourth quarter and closed to 101-99 with 1:30 remaining after a Turner 3-pointer. Washington responded immediately, then closed the game at the line and with stops, holding the Bucks scoreless on their final four possessions.

Washington led by as many as 18 and carried a 14-point halftime advantage into a fourth quarter that required late execution to finish.

Injury note for Washington

Wizards rookie Tre Johnson rolled his left ankle during the second quarter and did not return after leaving the game a few minutes later.

The Bucks’ loss extended a skid that has kept them outside the Eastern Conference play-in positions in late January, with Antetokounmpo still unavailable as Milwaukee navigates a demanding stretch of the regular season.