The Milwaukee Bucks faced a shocking defeat on December 1, 2025, losing 129-126 to the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. This loss follows a promising victory against the Brooklyn Nets, where the Bucks ended a seven-game losing streak. The Bucks were unable to maintain their momentum, despite a strong performance from their three-point shooters.
The Wizards were led by veteran players CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton. McCollum scored 28 points on an impressive 11-for-21 shooting, while Middleton, despite finishing with 15 points, made critical shots in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal go-ahead three-pointer with less than a minute remaining.
Milwaukee’s shooting from beyond the arc was noteworthy, as they finished with 21 three-pointers out of 38 attempts, translating to a shooting percentage of 55%. This remarkable performance marks only the seventh instance in NBA history where a team has made 21 or more three-pointers while shooting 55% or better and still lost, according to Justin García of Locked On Bucks. All seven occurrences have taken place in the last four seasons.
In contrast, the Bucks struggled defensively, particularly in the paint, where they were outscored by the Wizards by 24 points. The team’s defensive performance has been a cause for concern, as Milwaukee currently ranks just 22nd in the league with a defensive rating of 116.7. Despite being second in the league for three-pointers made per game, averaging 15.8, it is clear that relying solely on shooting is not a sustainable strategy.
On the opposing side, Kevin Porter Jr. emerged as the top scorer in the game, netting 30 points on 12-for-15 shooting, which included five three-pointers. Additionally, AJ Green contributed 13 points, also hitting four three-pointers, while Gary Trent Jr. added 14 points off the bench, showcasing the Wizards’ depth and scoring ability.
The Bucks will need to address their defensive issues urgently as they look to bounce back from this unexpected loss. The upcoming games will be critical in determining whether they can regain their form and compete effectively within the league. The defeat against the Wizards serves as a stark reminder that even a strong offensive showing cannot compensate for weaknesses in defense.
