Wizards’ Young Core Shows Promise in Upset Win Over Bucks

The Washington Wizards have quietly begun to reshape the tone of their season. After opening the year 1–15, the team has now won two of its last three, capped by Monday’s 129–126 victory over a Milwaukee Bucks squad expected to handle business on the road. It was the type of performance that suggested growth, resilience, and, perhaps most importantly, glimpses of a future anchored by player development.

Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers took notice. Speaking after the game, he praised Washington’s competitive spirit and highlighted the qualities that made the Wizards difficult to put away despite their record. For a group still searching for identity and consistency, that endorsement underscored the steady progress they’ve shown over the past week.

Veteran guards Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum played decisive roles in the closing minutes, steering Washington through the high-pressure moments that typically challenge young teams. Their late-game execution helped seal a win that was equal parts stabilizing and encouraging for a franchise prioritizing long-term building blocks.

But while the veterans punctuated the result, the matchup also showcased one of Washington’s most intriguing young pieces — third-year guard Bilal Coulibaly, whose defensive presence shaped the game’s biggest moments and offered another preview of his evolving potential.

1. Veteran Stability in the Clutch

Doc Rivers highlighted the contrast between Washington’s youthful roster and the composure brought by their two veteran guards. Middleton scored eight of his 15 points in the final four minutes, using his midrange craft to keep Washington steady when Milwaukee made its final push. McCollum delivered the game’s defining shot — a contested step-back three that extended the lead to four with just 15 seconds remaining. McCollum led all Wizards scorers with 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting while adding four three-pointers. Middleton contributed six assists, helping orchestrate the offense during stretches where Washington leaned on steady decision-making more than pure firepower. Neither player is viewed as part of Washington’s long-term plans, as both are on expiring contracts and expected to be available ahead of February’s trade deadline. But for now, their presence offers structure for a roster built largely around young talent. Their leadership — both vocal and on the floor — has become a key component in helping the Wizards navigate close-game scenarios that previously slipped away. For a team in the early stages of a rebuild, the short-term benefits of reliable veterans are aligning with the long-term focus on nurturing a young core that is learning how to compete in high-leverage moments.

2. Coulibaly’s Defensive Breakthrough

While the veteran guards delivered in the clutch, Coulibaly emerged as Washington’s defensive catalyst throughout the night. The 21-year-old finished with three steals and a block, consistently disrupting Milwaukee’s actions and providing some of the most impactful defensive possessions of the game. His biggest moment came in the final seconds, when he stripped Giannis Antetokounmpo and converted an and-one dunk over the two-time MVP to secure the win. Antetokounmpo still finished with 26 points, but he committed five turnovers and fouled out — a testament to Coulibaly’s persistence and physicality. Rivers praised the young guard’s defensive profile, citing his length, strength, and relentless effort. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe echoed that sentiment, calling Coulibaly the “head” of the defense and highlighting the discipline and energy he brings to the unit. Despite that defensive excellence, Coulibaly’s offensive inconsistencies remain a challenge. He scored only seven points on 3-of-9 shooting, continuing a trend of low efficiency that has followed him into his third season. Even with his defensive impact, Washington must weigh his minutes carefully as they attempt to stay competitive while fostering his long-term growth.

3. Balancing Potential and Production

Coulibaly’s offensive struggles extend beyond one game. This season, he is shooting just 38.4 percent from the field and under 29 percent from three — well below league averages for guards, according to StatMuse. His career numbers show a similar trend, raising questions about how quickly he can grow into a dependable offensive option. Yet his defensive ceiling remains undeniable. Few 21-year-olds can meaningfully challenge a physical force like Antetokounmpo, and Coulibaly’s ability to do so has solidified his place as a cornerstone of Washington’s young core. The challenge is determining whether he projects as a future All-Star, a high-end role player, or something in between. For now, Washington appears committed to giving him opportunities while maintaining competitive integrity. As the Wizards continue their week — beginning with Tuesday’s road matchup against the 76ers and Thursday’s home date with the Celtics — Coulibaly will have additional chances to sharpen his offensive game. His development may ultimately define how quickly the Wizards can turn encouraging performances like Monday’s into sustained progress, and whether their improved stretch marks the start of something more durable.