The Milwaukee Bucks made a strong statement in their 2025-26 season opener, defeating the Washington Wizards 133-120 at Fiserv Forum. The game featured standout performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and new addition Myles Turner, while also showcasing the Bucks’ revamped offensive strategy.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Dominates with 37 Points and 14 Rebounds
Giannis Antetokounmpo was once again the star of the show, leading the Bucks with an impressive 37 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. His performance was a clear indicator of his continued dominance on the court, as he played a pivotal role in securing the victory.
Antetokounmpo’s impact was felt throughout the game, especially in the fourth quarter when he scored five straight baskets to seal the win for the Bucks. “His timing on when to be aggressive and when to be a playmaker was sensational,” said head coach Mike Budenholzer.
This game marked the first time that Antetokounmpo faced off against his former teammate Khris Middleton, who now plays for the Wizards. Despite being on opposing teams, the two shared a moment of mutual respect during the game.
Khris Middleton Returns to Fiserv Forum with 23 Points
Middleton, who was traded from the Bucks last season, returned to Fiserv Forum for the first time since the trade. He was given a warm welcome by the fans, who gave him a loud ovation during his introduction.
Despite the emotional return, Middleton played well, scoring 23 points for the Wizards. He also received a tribute video during the first timeout, which highlighted his contributions to the team over the years.
“Khris is one of the best players in the league, and it’s always special to see him back here,” said Antetokounmpo after the game. “He’s going to do what he does best, and I respect that.”
Bucks’ Three-Point Shooting Shines in First Quarter
One of the most impressive aspects of the game was the Bucks’ three-point shooting. They started the game with a blistering pace, hitting 8 out of 13 three-pointers in the first quarter for a 61.5% success rate.
AJ Green led the way with three made shots in the opening period, while Gary Trent Jr. added five three-pointers overall. Kevin Porter Jr. also contributed with two three-pointers before exiting the game due to an ankle injury.
Although the Bucks cooled down later in the game, finishing with a 40.9% three-point shooting percentage, their early success helped them build a comfortable lead.
“We’re a great three-point shooting team and we didn’t shoot the three great tonight,” said coach Mike Budenholzer. “Which is a great sign. You give me the same shots every night, we’re going to make three or four more. Probably five more. And the game’s a bigger margin.”
Myles Turner Makes Immediate Impact in Bucks Debut
Newcomer Myles Turner made a significant impact in his debut with the Bucks, recording seven points and three blocks in the first half. His defensive presence was crucial in helping the Bucks take a 72-53 lead into halftime.
Turner’s versatility was on full display, as he not only defended the rim but also showed off his ability to score and assist. His highlight-reel dunk in the second quarter even caught the attention of Antetokounmpo.
“He’s athletic,” Antetokounmpo said. “Two-footed jumper. Most importantly, he can shoot the three. When I played against him, I jumped many times on that pump-fake. Because he’s capable of making that shot, right?”
Turner finished the game with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in 29 minutes of action.
Wizards Try to Mount a Comeback, But Bucks Hold On
Despite the Wizards’ efforts to close the gap, the Bucks maintained their lead throughout the game. The Wizards were able to cut the deficit to as little as seven points in the fourth quarter, but they never managed to overtake the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo sealed the win with a late-game surge, scoring five straight baskets, including a crucial three-pointer that extended the lead to 121-103 with just over five minutes left in the game.
“The guys were playing great basketball,” Antetokounmpo said. “I feel like in the third quarter, we kind of stopped. We were getting, like, one-pass shot. Or a no-pass shot. It was, like, nobody was moving.”
Five Numbers That Defined the Game
- 12.44 Seconds – Time it took Antetokounmpo to attempt his second free throw of the game. He was called for a 10-second violation.
- 1 Charge – Drawn by the Wizards’ Khris Middleton against ex-teammate Antetokounmpo.
- 3 Blocks – In the first half by Bucks newcomer Myles Turner.
- 3:50 – Scoring drought to start the second half for the Bucks.
- 7 Players – Scored in double figures for the Bucks.
Other NBA Games of the Week
While the Bucks vs. Wizards matchup was a major story, other games also made headlines this week:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren scored 31 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 in a 117-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
- Washington Wizards: Kyshawn George scored a career-high 34 points to lead the Wizards to a 117-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
These games further highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA this season.
Where to Watch the Game
For those who missed the game, you can still catch the action on TV or streaming platforms. The game was broadcast on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin, and viewers could stream it through the FanDuel Sports Wisconsin app or Fubo.
The announcers for the game included Lisa Byington (play-by-play), Marques Johnson (analysis), and Melanie Ricks (sideline reporter).
Bucks vs. Wizards Odds and Over/Under
Before the game, the Bucks were listed as 10.5-point favorites over the Wizards, with the over/under set at 227.5 points. The final score of 133-120 fell slightly under the over/under, but the game was still a high-scoring affair.
Conclusion: A Strong Start for the Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks’ 133-120 victory over the Washington Wizards in the 2025-26 season opener was a testament to their improved roster and continued dominance. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 37 points, while new additions like Myles Turner made an immediate impact.
The game also provided a memorable moment for Khris Middleton, who returned to Fiserv Forum and received a heartfelt reception from the fans.
As the season continues, the Bucks will look to build on this strong start, while the Wizards will aim to regroup and find their rhythm.
Author: Jordan Thompson
Title/Role: NBA Analyst and Sports Writer
Credentials: With over a decade of experience covering professional basketball, Jordan has written extensively on NBA trends, player performances, and team strategies.
Profile Link: https://www.jordanthompsonsports.com
Sources:
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– FanDuel Sports Network
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Featured Snippet:
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Washington Wizards 133-120 in their season opener, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with 37 points and 14 rebounds. Khris Middleton scored 23 points in his return to Fiserv Forum.
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