The Milwaukee Bucks faced a disappointing setback on December 1, 2025, losing to the Washington Wizards 129-126 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The defeat came just two days after the Bucks ended a seven-game losing streak with a decisive victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The Wizards, energized by their veteran players, capitalized on defensive lapses from Milwaukee to secure the win.
Washington’s offense was spearheaded by CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, who combined for crucial points throughout the game. McCollum led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 11-for-21 from the field, while Middleton contributed 15 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that gave the Wizards the lead in the final minute of play.
Despite the Bucks’ impressive shooting performance from beyond the arc, their defensive struggles proved costly. Milwaukee shot a remarkable 21-for-38 from three-point range, marking only the seventh time in NBA history that a team made 21 or more three-pointers while shooting 55% or better and lost. Notably, all seven occurrences have taken place within the last four seasons, highlighting a concerning trend for the Bucks.
The game featured standout performances from both teams. Kevin Porter Jr. shined for the Wizards, scoring 30 points on an efficient 12-for-15 shooting, which included five three-pointers. Additionally, AJ Green added 13 points with four triples, and Gary Trent Jr. contributed 14 points off the bench, showcasing Washington’s depth.
Milwaukee’s defense was particularly vulnerable in the paint, where the Wizards outscored them by 24 points. This disparity in interior scoring underscored the Bucks’ struggles, as they have consistently ranked low in defensive performance this season. Currently, the Bucks sit at 22nd in the league with a defensive rating of 116.7, raising concerns about their ability to compete effectively against high-scoring teams.
As the Bucks look to regroup following this defeat, they must address their defensive issues if they hope to maintain any momentum in the competitive Eastern Conference. The team’s reliance on three-point shooting alone is insufficient, as evidenced by their recent performances. Moving forward, Milwaukee will need to refine its strategies on both ends of the court to avoid further setbacks.
With the season still in its early stages, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Bucks respond to this challenging loss. The next few games will be critical for determining the trajectory of their season as they seek to bounce back and solidify their standing in the league.
