The Milwaukee Bucks need big games from Khris Middleton despite being the third option for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Middleton scored 20 points for Milwaukee against the Indiana Pacers in a 128-119 loss in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals.
It is a very good sign for the Bucks in the future that Middleton showed up for them in a big spot. Yes, he will always play third fiddle to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard when everyone is healthy, but the team does need Middleton to score 20 points in a game more often than he has been doing it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points for the Bucks in the game and Damian Lillard scored 24 points in the game. To go along with Khris Middleton’s 20 points, he also grabbed seven rebounds, recorded four assists, and also recorded two steals.
This is the first game all season long that Middleton has scored at least 20 points. He has already missed a few games this season due to injury and will need some more 20-point performances for the Bucks moving forward.
Khris Middleton Will Be One of the X-Factors For the Milwaukee Bucks As the Season Progresses
One of the things that has plagued the Bucks over the last couple of seasons in the NBA playoffs was injuries. Middleton has been injury-prone over the past couple of seasons and he will need to be on the court in order for this team to achieve its NBA championship goals. Being the third option on a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is perfect for him.
There will need to be more times this year where Middleton scores 20 or more in a game. There might be a night where Damian Lillard or Giannis Antetokounmpo have to miss due to rest or an injury and will need Middleton to step up for the Bucks. If Milwaukee plays offense like this but can clean up the defensive end of the floor a little bit, they can be the last team standing when it matters this season.
