Bucks’ Kyle Kuzma scores 19 vs. Wizards in Washington return

WASHINGTON — Kyle Kuzma’s return to Washington led to a confusing moment with a couple of former teammates.

“One time in the first quarter, it might have been Alex [Sarr], he might have blocked a shot. Bilal [Coulibaly] came over to dap him up,” Kuzma said. “Then I dapped up Bilal, just by instinct. It was weird.”

Kuzma returned to Washington as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks and scored 19 points in their 104-101 victory over Sarr, Coulibaly and the Wizards on Friday night. Kuzma was traded from Washington to Milwaukee earlier this month, with Khris Middleton going to the Wizards in the deal.

Middleton missed a last-second 3-pointer that would have tied the score in his Wizards debut.

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“Definitely a lot going on these last couple weeks,” Middleton said. “It’s a little strange and coincidental how this is my first game here with the Wizards — against the Bucks.”

Kuzma’s departure from Washington was so recent he said the return this week gave him a chance to sleep in his own bed. He spent 3½ seasons with the Wizards and looks back fondly on his tenure with them.

“I wouldn’t trade this experience and being here and being a Wizard for anything,” Kuzma said. “I think it was a great time for me, a time of growth, a time of figuring out who I am as a person.”

Still, with Washington in the middle of a substantial rebuild, it wasn’t a shock that he was traded, and he was ready.

“I think the writing was on the wall in a sense here. Not saying that was a good or a bad thing. I think everything in life really has an expiration date,” Kuzma said. “It was my time to go, beneficial to all parties involved.”

Kuzma hasn’t been with Milwaukee for long, but the Bucks already need him to perform. Bobby Portis Jr. is unavailable because of a drug suspension, and Damian Lillard (hamstring) missed Friday’s game. Giannis Antetokounmpo was in foul trouble throughout and fouled out after playing only 19 minutes.

“It was an odd game,” Kuzma said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Giannis have six fouls in 18 minutes. Don’t know what that was about. Obviously, we’re down bodies.”