Rapid Recap: Bucks 104, Wizards 107

The Milwaukee Bucks played the Washington Wizards close to the end after an atrocious start, but even a 19-point night from Jabari Parker wasn’t enough as they fell 107-104 to the Wizards. Milwaukee was roasted soundly in the first quarter by Washington, as the Wizards leaped out to a 26-5 lead that the Bucks mildly cut into for a 40-22 deficit after one. The second quarter proved far less embarrassing, but Milwaukee still trailed 64-50 at halftime. In the third, Milwaukee finally made hay, using an 11-point advantage in the period to cut the Wizards lead to just three heading into the fourth. The Bucks kept it close down the stretch, but once again couldn’t get the stops they needed to pull this one out.

Losing back to back games at home is never a good look for a team chasing a top Playoff spot, particularly when the latter loss comes against a team they’ll be facing for that position. A spectacular Giannis and great Jabari game aside, Milwaukee’s other prominent players didn’t deliver what the Bucks needed.

Giannis Antetokounmpo shook off his inefficient game on Sunday to put forth an outrageous 23-point, 13 rebound, eight assist, three steal and six block night on 8-16 shooting. His all-around game was a dominating performance on both ends in what proved to be a losing effort.

His primary scoring partner tonight proved to be Jabari Parker, in what was likely his best game yet with 19 points on 6-10 shooting. He got to the line effectively (5-6) and his 2-3 from deep before hitting his minutes limit at 23. Eric Bledsoe tagged in with 17 points, a line bolstered by 3-7 shooting from beyond the arc, while Khris Middleton struggled as well scoring only 17 and going 0-4 from 3-point land.

Bradley Beal acted as Washington’s primary scorer and creator tonight, working his way to 21 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Meanwhile, Otto Porter Jr. helped prop up the starting lineup with a 17-point night. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 13 points off the bench.

Stat That Stood Out

8 - Yes, Milwaukee made it a close game, but eight is all the points the Bucks could muster from their two centers combined, John Henson and Thon Maker. They rarely provide the scoring punch that leads the Bucks to wins, but their quiet nights and seven shot attempts were also indicative of a 52-40 disadvantage the Bucks held in paint points tonight.