Pre-Season Game 4: Milwaukee Bucks 101, Washington Wizards 105 Notes & Reactions

Oct 17, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Rashad Vaughn (20) drives for the basket between Washington Wizards guard Gary Neal (14) and center Josh Harrellson (55) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Wizards beat the Bucks 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

One game after earning their first pre-season victory, the Milwaukee Bucks claimed a different achievement Saturday night in a 105-101 loss to the Washington Wizards–out-shooting their opponent.

Coming into the game the Bucks had shot just 15-46 from three in their first three preseason contests. Against the Wizards the Bucks opened it up from deep, taking nine more attempts than their previous high water mark, finishing 9-28.

Chris Copeland (16 points/six rebounds/two assists) contributed two threes in his Bucks debut. Giannis Antetokounmpo (12 points/three rebounds/two blocks) was a perfect 2-2 from range. And Khris Middleton, who’s struggled through much of the pre-season, shot 3-6 from behind the arc en route to a game-high 21 points.

Throw in makes from Rashad Vaughn (six points) and Jerryd Bayless (six points/two assists), and you have a Bucks team that played their most complete game of the pre-season.

Unfortunately, so did the Wizards.

Led by breakout candidate Bradley Beal (18 points) the Wizards were able to keep stride with the hot-shooting Bucks.

The visitors were able to pull away in the final six minutes of the game as both coaches emptied their benches.

At the end of 48 the Bucks were left with a 1-3 preseason record; but unlike previous contests both the starters and the bench made strong contributions–a first for this pre-season.

We’ll start with Khris Middleton’s performance in our reactions.

Next: Reactions: The Good