When healthy, the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the best teams in the NBA. That has been the issue for Doc Rivers’ squad in recent weeks, however. They have not had their regular lineup on the court, which has presented some difficulties.
They have navigated things relatively well, all things considered. After a tough start to the Rivers era in Milwaukee, the team has played much better since the NBA All-Star Break. They have gone 9-3 since then, made all the more impressive was that it has come without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton sharing the court.
Middleton sprained his ankle on February 6th against the Phoenix Suns, leaving the Bucks short-handed. More recently, it has been Antetokounmpo who has missed time with an Achilles injury and hamstring ailment.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Khris Middleton & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
On Sunday, the Bucks were playing against the Suns again. With Antetokounmpo still sidelined, Milwaukee had its work cut out for them. But, the return of Middleton after a 16-game absence really helped spark the club.
Middleton played only 25 minutes in his return to the court, but he made an impact right away and was in a rhythm instantly. He scored 22 points with seven assists, helping lead the Bucks to an impressive 140-129 victory.
“For a guy that missed that many games to look that good was pretty impressive,” Rivers said of Middleton after the game.
Middleton probably could have returned to the court a little earlier if he had needed to, but he wanted to make sure he was 100 percent healthy. Ensuring the swelling was down was important, and he spent a little extra time making sure that he was in game shape upon returning to the court.
“I been doing this a long time,” Middleton said after the game. “I know how to slow myself and not try to go too fast — or speed myself up. I know how to come in, play at my pace and change my pace. A lot of the work I was doing at rehab was just trying to make sure my wind was there, my conditioning was as good as it can be.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Khris Middleton & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Early on in the 2023-24 NBA season, Middleton was on a minutes restriction. When adding the injuries on top of that, this campaign has been a tough one for him to navigate. But, when he has been on the court, he has played well.
His shooting percentage of 48.7, which he had entering Sunday’s game, is the highest since the 2019-20 season. With 14 games remaining in the regular season, Middleton will have some time to continue rounding into shape and building chemistry and cohesion with his teammates.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
