Anthony Davis leads Wizards to season-opening win

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 22, 2026

Anthony Davis scored 34 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Washington Wizards to a 128-116 comeback win against the Milwaukee Bucks in their season opener. His dominant performance, combined with strong support from Trae Young and promising young players, signals a boosted competitive outlook for the Wizards as they begin their schedule.

Anthony Davis made a strong debut with the Washington Wizards, leading the team to a 128-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at Capital One Arena. Davis scored 34 points and collected 12 rebounds, anchoring a late-game surge that secured the season-opening win for Washington.

The Wizards trailed for much of the game but mounted a decisive rally early in the fourth quarter. After entering the final period down by three points, Washington scored 15 of the first 20 points, turning the momentum in their favor. A key moment came when Justin Champagnie converted a basket and drew a foul, extending the Wizards’ lead to seven with just over eight minutes remaining. The margin eventually expanded to as many as 13 points.

Davis, a 33-year-old 10-time All-Star, showcased his scoring ability throughout the game. He posted 10 points in the first quarter before a quieter second frame. However, he regained momentum in the third quarter, scoring 18 of Washington’s 39 points during that period. Though there was some visible frustration when a potential alley-oop opportunity went uncalled, Davis responded with a three-point play from the corner that energized the home crowd and narrowed Milwaukee’s lead to one.

Guard Trae Young also contributed significantly, finishing with 20 points and 13 assists. Young praised Davis’s impact, suggesting that consistent performances like this could put Davis in the MVP conversation. Alongside the veteran stars, the Wizards’ young players showed promise as well; Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly combined for 29 points, reflecting the team’s balance of experience and youth.

Washington’s defense and rebounding improved notably after a sluggish second quarter, allowing them to contain the Bucks in the closing stages. Coach Brian Keefe commended Davis’s confident debut and expressed optimism about the team’s potential as they prepare for upcoming games against Toronto, Chicago, and Charlotte.

The victory marks a positive start to the season for the Wizards, with Davis’s presence clearly elevating the team’s competitiveness and providing a strong foundation for their campaign.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.