The Washington Wizards outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks 109-99 to earn their second straight win on Thursday night.
Kyshawn George dropped 23 points, Alex Sarr added 16 and 17 rebounds, while Khris Middleton and Bub Carrington each added 13 points, as Washington held a 61-43 rebounding advantage.
On the other hand, Myles Turner dropped 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Bucks, which lost its fourth straight and seventh out of its last eight games.
Bucks’ Bobby Portis Jr. and Kyle Porter each added 19 points, who began the day in 12th in the Eastern Conference and four games out of the last play-in spot.
Meanwhile, Washington rookie Tre Johnson rolled his left ankle while sinking a jumper with 11:110 left in the second quarter, as he left the game about three minutes later and did not return.
The Wizards led by 18 in the second quarter and took a 57-43 lead into halftime, while also pulling the Bucks to 34.6% shooting and 21.7% from deep in their stingiest defensive first half of the season.
Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollin sank a three-pointer, and Kuzma followed with a turnaround jumper to close it to three. A few possessions later, Turner made another three-pointer to make it 101-99 with 1:30 left.
Sarr answered with a runner, Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly each hit a pair of free throws, and the Wizards held the Bucks scoreless on their final four possessions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second straight game with a calf strain amid swirling trade rumors.
The Bucks visit Boston on Sunday, while the Wizards host the Lakers on Friday.
