Anthony Davis Dominates Wizards Debut With 34 Points as Washington Rallies Past Bucks 128-116
By Brian Hradsky
October 22, 2026
The Washington Wizards opened the 2026-27 NBA regular season with an impressive 128-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night at Capital One Arena. Anthony Davis delivered an outstanding performance in his long-awaited Washington debut, finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and four assists to lead the Wizards to their first victory of the season. Trae Young added 20 points and 13 assists, while Kyshawn George contributed 18 points as Washington overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Wizards used a decisive second-half surge to defeat Milwaukee despite struggling from three-point range throughout much of the contest.
Davis Makes Immediate Impact in Washington Debut
Davis entered Wednesday’s contest with considerable expectations after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks during the previous season. Injuries prevented the veteran big man from making his Washington debut following the trade, forcing Wizards fans to wait until the 2026-27 opener to see him compete in a regular-season game. Davis wasted little time demonstrating his value, scoring 10 points and collecting six rebounds during the opening quarter. His early production helped Washington establish a 25-23 advantage after the first 12 minutes.
The atmosphere inside Capital One Arena reflected the excitement surrounding Washington’s restructured roster. Fans began chanting for Davis during the opening quarter as he established himself as the focal point of the offense. His ability to score near the basket, draw fouls and create opportunities for teammates provided the Wizards with a reliable offensive option. Davis also contributed defensively, using his size and experience to challenge Milwaukee’s interior attack.
Washington’s performance was particularly encouraging because Davis had limited opportunities to establish chemistry with his new teammates before the season. The veteran demonstrated an immediate understanding of his role alongside Young, who repeatedly created opportunities through penetration and passing. Their combination gave the Wizards a productive inside-outside attack that became increasingly effective as the game progressed. The partnership could become one of Washington’s most important strengths if both players remain healthy.
Milwaukee Takes Control Before Halftime
Despite Washington’s promising start, Milwaukee gradually established momentum during the second quarter. The Bucks outscored the Wizards 33-26 during the period, turning a two-point deficit into a 56-51 halftime advantage. Washington struggled with its perimeter shooting, connecting on only a small percentage of its three-point attempts during the opening half. Milwaukee capitalized on those missed opportunities and used balanced offensive production to seize control.
Davis scored just two points during the second quarter after his productive opening period. Milwaukee adjusted its defensive approach and made it more difficult for Washington to generate consistent scoring opportunities around the basket. George also went scoreless during the period after contributing seven first-quarter points. The Wizards entered halftime needing improved offensive execution and more consistent contributions throughout their lineup.
The Bucks benefited from their restructured roster, which features several players acquired during the offseason. Tyler Herro provided perimeter scoring and playmaking, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed valuable offensive production. Milwaukee’s ability to generate points from different positions allowed the visitors to maintain their advantage despite Davis’ strong opening quarter. Washington needed a response after struggling to establish consistent offensive momentum.
Davis Explodes for 18 Points in Third Quarter
Davis delivered his most impressive offensive stretch during the third quarter, scoring 18 points to keep Washington within striking distance. The veteran connected on five of nine field-goal attempts and converted eight of 11 free throws during the period. His ability to draw contact and finish around the basket helped compensate for the Wizards’ continued perimeter shooting difficulties. Washington scored 39 third-quarter points but still trailed 93-90 entering the final period.
Young continued directing the offense while Davis provided the scoring production necessary to prevent Milwaukee from extending its lead. The Wizards also received an important contribution from George, who connected on a three-pointer to reduce the deficit during the quarter. However, foul trouble limited George’s playing time and forced head coach Brian Keefe to adjust his rotation. Washington remained competitive despite facing several challenges with its shooting and personnel availability.
By the end of the third quarter, Davis had already recorded a 30-point double-double in his first regular-season appearance for Washington. His performance demonstrated why the organization invested in acquiring an established veteran to complement its developing roster. The Wizards still needed to overcome a three-point deficit, but Davis had provided the foundation for a potential comeback. Washington entered the fourth quarter with an opportunity to secure an important opening-night victory.
Wizards Deliver Decisive Fourth-Quarter Comeback
Milwaukee briefly extended its advantage to eight points early in the fourth quarter, putting Washington in danger of beginning the season with a disappointing home loss. However, the Wizards responded with their strongest stretch of basketball, attacking the basket and generating defensive stops. Deandre Ayton delivered a dunk that gave Washington a 97-96 lead, its first advantage since the second quarter. The play helped ignite a scoring run that completely changed the direction of the contest.
Washington eventually built a 111-98 advantage with 7:26 remaining, completing a decisive 21-4 surge. The Wizards repeatedly found scoring opportunities near the basket while forcing Milwaukee into difficult offensive possessions. Their improved defensive execution created transition opportunities and prevented the Bucks from maintaining the rhythm they had established earlier. The turnaround transformed an eight-point deficit into a double-digit Washington lead.
Milwaukee attempted to respond with perimeter shooting, including three-pointers from Herro and Myles Turner. However, Washington continued producing offensively and maintained control throughout the closing minutes. George delivered an important late dunk as the Wizards protected their advantage and prevented another momentum shift. Washington finished the fourth quarter with 38 points while limiting Milwaukee to 23, securing the 128-116 victory.
Young Records Double-Double in Season Opener
Young provided the playmaking necessary to complement Davis’ outstanding scoring performance. The veteran guard finished with 20 points, 13 assists and two steals while committing only one turnover. Although he struggled with his shooting, connecting on four of 13 field-goal attempts and missing all six three-point attempts, Young consistently created opportunities for his teammates. His ability to distribute the basketball helped Washington maintain offensive production despite its perimeter shooting difficulties.
Young also generated scoring opportunities by attacking defenders and drawing fouls. He attempted 16 free throws and converted 12, providing important points when his outside shot was not falling. His aggressive approach forced Milwaukee to defend multiple areas of the floor rather than concentrating exclusively on Davis. The combination of Young’s passing and Davis’ interior scoring proved especially effective during Washington’s second-half comeback.
The performance provided an encouraging start for a backcourt leader who appeared in only five games for Washington during the previous season. Young’s experience should help the Wizards develop greater offensive consistency as the roster continues building chemistry. His 13 assists demonstrated the value of having an established playmaker directing the offense. Washington will look for Young to maintain that production while improving his shooting efficiency during the upcoming games.
George and Coulibaly Provide Important Contributions
George delivered another encouraging performance for Washington’s developing young core, finishing with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. The forward connected on eight of 14 field-goal attempts and provided scoring opportunities when Milwaukee concentrated on Davis and Young. His offensive versatility helped Washington maintain balance throughout the contest. George also contributed defensively and finished with a team-best plus-13 rating.
Bilal Coulibaly made an important impact after receiving the starting opportunity created by AJ Dybantsa’s absence. The young forward finished with 11 points, four steals and two blocks, providing energy and defensive pressure throughout the contest. His ability to disrupt Milwaukee’s offensive possessions helped Washington generate opportunities in transition. Coulibaly also scored the Wizards’ first points of the season and established an aggressive defensive presence early.
Washington received additional contributions from Ayton and Bub Carrington, who both reached double figures in scoring. Ayton finished with 11 points, including the important fourth-quarter dunk that gave the Wizards the lead. Carrington added 10 points, helping Washington maintain offensive production when its starters needed rest. The balanced contributions demonstrated that the Wizards have several players capable of supporting their established stars.
Wizards Win Despite Difficult Three-Point Shooting Night
One of the most surprising aspects of Washington’s victory was its ability to score 128 points despite making only six of 28 three-point attempts. The Wizards finished at 21.4 percent from beyond the arc, well below the efficiency generally needed for a strong perimeter offensive performance. Milwaukee made 15 three-pointers on 41 attempts, giving the Bucks a substantial advantage from long range. However, Washington compensated through more effective interior scoring, free-throw opportunities and improved second-half shooting.
The Wizards finished the game shooting 52.3 percent from the field, connecting on 45 of 86 attempts. Washington also attempted 41 free throws and converted 32, compared with Milwaukee’s 19 makes on 23 attempts. The difference at the foul line helped offset the Bucks’ advantage in three-point shooting. Davis and Young combined to attempt 30 free throws, repeatedly forcing Milwaukee’s defenders into difficult situations.
Washington also held a 44-41 rebounding advantage and committed fewer turnovers than Milwaukee. The Wizards finished with 11 turnovers compared with 16 for the Bucks, demonstrating improved ball security despite their new offensive combinations. Washington recorded 28 assists and generated 11 steals, reflecting contributions from multiple players. Those advantages helped the team overcome its poor outside shooting and establish control during the decisive fourth quarter.
Herro Leads Milwaukee in Defeat
Herro delivered Milwaukee’s strongest individual scoring performance, finishing with 24 points and nine assists. The veteran guard connected on four three-pointers and provided much of the offensive creation that helped the Bucks control portions of the contest. His ability to score from the perimeter presented challenges for Washington’s defenders, particularly during the first three quarters. However, Milwaukee could not maintain its offensive rhythm after the Wizards increased their defensive pressure in the fourth.
Jaquez added 22 points and seven rebounds, providing another productive performance for Milwaukee’s new-look roster. Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 15 points off the bench, while rookie Brayden Burries added 12 and Turner finished with 11. The Bucks received scoring contributions from several players but struggled to generate enough defensive stops during Washington’s comeback. Their inability to protect an eight-point fourth-quarter advantage ultimately proved decisive.
Milwaukee is adjusting to a significant organizational transition following the offseason trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. Head coach Taylor Jenkins is working to establish a new offensive and defensive identity with a restructured roster. The Bucks demonstrated encouraging scoring potential during the opening three quarters but could not maintain that production throughout the contest. Milwaukee will need improved defensive consistency as it continues its early-season schedule.
Dybantsa Misses Highly Anticipated NBA Debut
Washington secured the victory without No. 1 overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa, who remained sidelined because of a left ankle sprain suffered during the preseason. The rookie had been expected to become an important part of the Wizards’ rotation after an outstanding collegiate season at BYU. His absence prevented Washington from using its complete projected lineup in the season opener. However, the team’s performance demonstrated that the roster has enough experienced talent to remain competitive while its top draft pick recovers.
Keefe has described Dybantsa’s injury as day-to-day, although his return date has not been confirmed. The Wizards will continue monitoring his progress before determining when he can make his regular-season debut. Washington’s next game against Toronto could provide another opportunity for the rookie to return if he receives medical clearance. The coaching staff will need to balance his recovery with the importance of integrating him into the team’s developing rotation.
The victory without Dybantsa was particularly encouraging because Washington received important contributions from its younger players. George and Coulibaly demonstrated their ability to support Davis and Young, while Carrington and Ayton provided additional production. The eventual addition of Dybantsa could give Washington another scoring option and improve its overall offensive versatility. His development will remain an important storyline throughout the season.
Wizards Look to Build Momentum Against Toronto
Washington will return to Capital One Arena on Friday, October 23, when the Wizards host the Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m. The matchup will provide another opportunity to evaluate the team’s chemistry and offensive execution following its successful season opener. Washington will look to improve its perimeter shooting while maintaining the interior production that helped defeat Milwaukee. The Wizards will also need to continue developing their defensive communication against another Eastern Conference opponent.
The opening victory represents an encouraging development for a franchise that finished 17-65 during the previous season. Washington has spent several years rebuilding its roster and developing younger players, making the additions of Davis and Young particularly significant. Wednesday’s performance demonstrated that the team has the potential to compete more effectively when its experienced players contribute at a high level. However, maintaining that success will require consistent performances throughout the demanding 82-game schedule.
MSB Take
The Wizards could hardly have asked for a more encouraging debut from Davis, who immediately demonstrated why Washington invested in acquiring an established All-Star. His 34 points and 12 rebounds provided the offensive production and interior presence that the team has lacked during several difficult seasons. Young complemented that performance with 20 points and 13 assists, showing that Washington can generate offense through multiple established playmakers. The fourth-quarter comeback was especially impressive because the Wizards overcame poor perimeter shooting and an eight-point deficit against a Milwaukee team that had controlled much of the contest.
Washington’s young players also deserve considerable credit for their contributions, particularly George and Coulibaly. George provided 18 points on efficient shooting, while Coulibaly contributed four steals and two blocks during an energetic defensive performance. Ayton’s fourth-quarter dunk helped change the momentum, and Carrington added valuable scoring depth off the bench. The combination of veteran production and developing talent offers an encouraging foundation for a franchise attempting to move beyond several disappointing seasons.
The biggest concern remains Washington’s outside shooting, as the Wizards connected on just six of 28 three-point attempts despite scoring 128 points. That level of perimeter inefficiency could become costly against opponents with stronger defensive execution, making improvement an important priority for Keefe. Nevertheless, the Wizards demonstrated resilience, improved ball security and the ability to control the paint during their decisive comeback. One victory does not establish Washington as a playoff contender, but defeating Milwaukee by 12 points in the season opener provides a promising beginning to the Davis and Young era.
