Wizards cruise past short-handed Bucks 118-95

The Washington Wizards extended their winning streak to a franchise-best five games on Sunday night behind 26 points from Rui Hachimura and 22 from Kristaps Porzingis in a 118-95 victory against the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by left knee pain, the struggling Bucks were without their star player. Against his last six games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 38 points and 14.6 rebounds. This includes a 43-point, 20-rebound effort in Milwaukee’s win over Minnesota on Friday night, which ended the team’s four-game losing run.

Khris Middleton missed his ninth straight game with right knee pain, and Jrue Holiday was out due to sickness.

Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma remarked, “Your purpose is to overpower whoever is in front of you.” You’re expected to win games against weaker opponents when key players sit out.

The Wizards (17-21), who were also shorthanded, were led by Daniel Gafford’s 17 points. Bradley Beal, their top scorer, sat out because of a strained left hamstring.

Milwaukee was paced by Bobby Portis with his 19 points and 10 boards. Grayson Allen scored 13 points and dished out eight assists to go along with Jevon Carter’s 14 points.

With Gafford’s 13 points leading the way, Washington jumped out to an early 34-17 lead thanks to some Wizards’ penetration.