Wizards top Giannis-less Bucks 113-106
WASHINGTON -- Bradley Beal scored 32 points, Tomas Satoransky had his first career triple-double and the Washington Wizards beat the Milwaukee Bucks 113-106 on Friday night.
With Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by hip and quad injuries, Washington came out aggressively and never trailed after the opening two minutes. The Wizards finished with 18 3-pointers, matching the franchise record.
Satoransky, starting at point guard in place of the injured John Wall, had 18 points, a career-high 12 rebounds and 10 assists, the last coming on an alley-oop to Beal with 1:43 remaining that put the Wizards ahead 111-101.
Trevor Ariza scored 20 points, including 18 in the second half, and made six 3-pointers. Jeff Green went 4 for 7 from beyond the arc on his way to 20 points, helping Washington shoot 54.5 percent (18 of 33) from 3-point range. It was the Wizards' first game this season making more than 50 percent of their 3s.
Khris Middleton scored 25 points for the Bucks, who had won 11 of 13. Milwaukee tied it twice in the third quarter, during which the teams combined to make 13 of 25 3-pointers.
Eric Bledsoe had 18 points and nine assists for Milwaukee.
Washington used a 13-2 run to open an early 34-22 lead. Beal converted a three-point play and made a 3-pointer during the stretch, and Satoransky also made a 3.
Malcolm Brogdon helped steady the Bucks in the second quarter with 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting. Washington led 57-47 at halftime.
TIP-INS
Bucks: G Donte DiVincenzo was inactive with bursitis in his left heel. ... In anticipation of Antetokounmpo's visit, the Wizards designated Friday as Greek Heritage Night, and Greek Ambassador Haris Lalacos attended.
Wizards: Improved to 13-7 at home. They are 5-18 on the road. ... Washington improved to 7-4 without Wall this season and 5-3 since the injury that forced the Wizards' highest-paid player to undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee. ... The Wizards' 40 points in the first quarter tied the most points allowed by Milwaukee in a period this season.
PLACE YOUR (FREE) BETS
Friday night marked the debut of a gambling-focused telecast on the Wizards' regional TV partner, NBC Sports Washington. The telecast included a series of questions that fans could answer on the network's website for a chance to win a $500 prize. Among the free proposition bets: Which team will be first to 75 points? (Washington); Will the total score at halftime be odd or even? (even); and will Satoransky score 20 points? (no). A bill legalizing sports betting has been approved in Washington but has yet to take effect.
UP NEXT
Bucks: Finish a three-game trip at Atlanta on Sunday.
Wizards: Host Toronto on Sunday before traveling to London, where they will face the New York Knicks at The O2.