Wizards avoid getting swept in season series with Bucks

Corey Kispert scored 27 points and Deni Avdija added 23 to lead the Washington Wizards past the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 117-113.

Washington (15-61) also got 16 points and a game-high 13 assists from Jordan Poole. Jared Butler added 17 points and Tristan Vukcevic scored 14.

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered his 10th triple-double of the season for Milwaukee (47-28), finishing with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Khris Middleton contributed 24 and nine rebounds, and Bobby Portis contributed 12 points and 12 boards.

Bucks star Damian Lillard missed the game with a right groin injury. Kyle Kuzma (right heel contusion) was among many Wizards players to sit out.

The first half was competitive throughout with 10 lead changes. Milwaukee held a one-point edge going into the second at 28-27.

Washington took the lead in the second period and was on top 58-54 at the break. Kispert and Middleton led their respective teams with 15 points apiece.

Washington carried the momentum into the third quarter, opening with a 12-1 run to push the lead to 15. However, Milwaukee bounced back to close the period on a 16-7 burst to trail by only five heading into the fourth.

In a hard-fought quarter, Washington never relinquished the lead. The Bucks fell behind by 12 but ran off seven straight point to again trail by only five with 8:35 left. A 3-pointer by AJ Green sliced the deficit to two midway through the period.

Milwaukee was still within two with just 11 seconds to go, but while trying to intentionally foul the Wizards, the Bucks gave up a wide open layup to Anthony Gill for a 117-113 lead.

Pat Connaughton then missed a 3-point attempt in the Bucks' last gasp.

Washington avoided getting swept in the three-game season series and ended Milwaukee's five-game streak against it.