The Washington Wizards closed out 2025 with a bang in a 114-113 thriller victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
CJ McCollum capped off what was one of the most enjoyable team-wide performances of the year. The Wizards needed a stop trailing 113-112 with under 30 seconds left in the ballgame. After Alex Sarr rejected a Giannis Antetokounmpo putback attempt, Brian Keefe made the savvy decision not to call a timeout.
McCollum corralled the rebound at about the opposite three-point line and
burst the other way. He crossed over Myles Turner at the right wing, then shot a baseline jumper over AJ Green that hit nothing but nylon with a second remaining.
While McCollum played hero at the end, the efforts of several Wizards were needed to pull off the victory.
Tre Johnson and AJ Johnson were the stories of the first half. Tre hit his first four three-pointers to set the franchise record for most consecutive triples made by a rookie at nine, breaking the record set by Kelly Oubre Jr. back in 2015.
AJ received an extended run for the first time this season against his former club. He hit two threes of his own in the second quarter. The Johnson duo combined for 22 points to help the Wizards secure a 65-62 lead at halftime.
Bub Carrington came alive to start the fourth quarter. He scored 14 of his 20 points over the first 3:26 of the final period, including a stretch of three triples in a row to give Washington a 99-91 lead.
The Bucks came back and even led 113-110 with just over 33 seconds left. That set the stage for McCollum to score the Wizards’ final four points, including the game-winner.
Alex Sarr had the quietest 20-point, 11-rebound, 4-block performance, which is a testament to how far he’s come as a productive big man. CJ McCollum finished with 18 points on the night, helping him surpass 16,000 career points. Justin Champagnie also deserves a mention with his 12 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks off the bench.
The Wizards have a chance to start the new year with a winning streak at home Friday against the Brooklyn Nets.
