The Milwaukee Bucks were barely able to save face against the Washington Wizards in their most recent matchup. The Bucks managed to edge past the Wizards by a three-point deficit in a 131-128 win. Despite a strong outing from Jordan Poole, Milwaukee was able to rally behind their veteran center, Brook Lopez. 

The Milwaukee Bucks had multiple players with strong outings. Both Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo had great games. But it was Lopez’s heroics that helped the Bucks clinch victory. The franchise have inched closer to a spot in the NBA In-Season Tournament knockout stages, going undefeated in the event so far. Here are three takeaways from the game.

Brook Lopez outshines the rest of the team

The Bucks’ 131-128 win over the Washington Wizards was purely a team effort. There were three players who scored 30+ points in the game. This game also made history as this was the first time three Bucks players scored 30+ points in the history of the franchise.

Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo both had a solid game against the Washington Wizards. It seemed as if Dame Time was mirroring the Greek Freak or vice-versa as both players had 31 points for the game.

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These two stars combined for 62 points out of the Bucks’ 131 total points for the game. Lillard finished the game with a double-double, notching 10 assists to go along with his 31-point performance.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo was a rebound shy of a double-double as he had 9 rebounds for the game. But the big headline out of the Bucks-Wizards game was none other than their veteran center, Brook Lopez.

The 35-year-old Brook Lopez was terrific this entire game. Lopez finished the night with a season-high performance. He notched up 39 points for the game, along with 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals and 1 assist.

Lopez shot 4-7 from beyond the arc and had a healthy 14-17 shooting from the field. 

A strong performance from the Wizards

The Washington Wizards had put all their chips on Jordan Poole, only to be disappointed so far. The Wizards were looking to make Poole the cornerstone of the franchise, but so far, the 6 ‘4 guard has not played up to his potential.

However, the game against the Bucks was something else entirely. Not only did the Wizards perform well without a true star on the roster, Jordan Poole led the way with a 26-point performance.

The team also got great offensive performances out of Tyus Jones and Kyle Kuzma as both players finished the game with 22 points each. Along with excellent defense from the entire team.

Another bright spot for the Wizards was Corey Kispert. Kispert came off the bench and held the Wizards offense in the 33 minutes that he played. Kispert finished the night with 20 points, along with 15 points from Landry Shamet who came off the bench as well.

Who will replace Middleton?

While the Milwaukee Bucks went home with the win, there was still a point of concern for the team. Khris Middleton was once again sidelined with an injury during the matchup against the Wizards.

Middleton only played 13 minutes before getting sidelined for the remainder of the game. Pat Connaughton took his place in the starting lineup but was unable to perform at a high level as he only had 2 points on a 1-5 shooting from the field.

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This raises concerns for the Bucks as to who will replace Middleton in the starting lineup. The Bucks do have Bobby Portis as a viable option but that would automatically weaken the Bucks bench.

Let’s see who the Bucks coaching staff goes within the starting lineup as a viable replacement for Middleton.