Washington Wizards 109–99 Milwaukee Bucks: George and Sarr Punish Giannis-less Bucks on the Glass – Sportsphere24
The Washington Wizards showcased their depth and physicality with a 109–99 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena on January 29, 2026. Kyshawn George scored 23 points, while Alex Sarr dominated the boards with 16 points and 17 rebounds, as Washington capitalized on a Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee and controlled the paint all night.
Slow Start, Then Wizards Take Control
The first quarter was sloppy offensively, particularly for the Bucks, who missed seven of their first eight shots and managed just two points in the first five minutes. Washington’s defense packed the paint, forcing tough shots and making Milwaukee work for every basket.
A four-point play by Bub Carrington and late free throws from Wembanyama Riley helped the Wizards finish the quarter 25–23 up, signaling the start of their dominance on the boards and in the tempo of the game.
George’s Scoring and Sarr’s Dominance Inside
Kyshawn George led the Wizards’ attack with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, combining drives, pull-up jumpers, and secondary playmaking to stress the Bucks’ defense.
The difference-maker, however, was Alex Sarr, who recorded 16 points, 17 rebounds, and multiple shot-altering plays, including 7 offensive boards that extended possessions. Bilal Coulibaly (8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Justin Champagnie (12 points, 6 boards) added size and energy, giving Washington a massive 61–43 rebounding advantage.
Bucks’ Stand-Ins Can’t Overcome Size Deficit
Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee relied on Myles Turner (21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks), Bobby Portis (19 points, 7 boards), and Kyle Kuzma (19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) to shoulder the load. Lindy Rollins added 17 points and 8 assists, but the Bucks struggled with second-chance points and interior defense, repeatedly losing momentum in the paint.
Fourth-Quarter Composure Seals the Win
Washington maintained their lead in the second half with George’s scoring and Carrington’s 13 points and 6 assists, keeping Milwaukee at bay. Sarr and Coulibaly protected the rim, controlled rebounds, and limited easy baskets, allowing the Wizards to close out the game calmly at 109–99.
Standings and Takeaways
The win moves Washington to 12–34, providing optimism for a young core developing around George and Sarr. Milwaukee fell to 18–28, exposing their heavy reliance on Giannis Antetokounmpo for rebounding, interior defense, and overall stability.
For the Wizards, this performance is a blueprint: defend hard, dominate the glass, and grow young talents into expanded roles. For the Bucks, questions remain about depth, physicality, and defensive consistency if Giannis remains sidelined.