The Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 NBA Cup after a thrilling 114-109 win over the Orlando Magic last Tuesday, despite an off-night on the offensive end for Khris Middleton.
The three-time NBA All-Star had zero points on 0-for-2 shooting from the field in 20 minutes of action. Yes, you read that right. Khris Middleton went scoreless, although he had four rebounds, eight assists, and three steals to help make up for it.
In his last three outings since returning from ankle surgery, Middleton only averages 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. However, his teammates continue to express their belief in him despite the goose-egg against Orlando.
“I would just say, presence, Khris just knows, he understands the game, match-ups, he understands what’s supposed to be happening, he is always tracking what is happening in a game, you know,” Damian Lillard said about Middleton during the postgame press conference.
“You can feel that out there, I’m sure everybody on the team can feel that, there’s not a numbers thing. I mean, you could feel him on the floor,” he added.
Milwaukee Bucks plan to remain patient with Khris Middleton
The Milwaukee Bucks won’t go far this season if Khris Middleton doesn’t return to his old form. Right now, the team is putting the one-time NBA champion on a minutes restriction to build up his fitness while getting the necessary reps.
Khris Middleton has yet to regain his scoring groove since he has gone 5-for-20 from the field in his last three outings. However, as shown in the Orlando Magic game, he still can impact the game positively, particularly with his chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Seven of Middleton’s eight assists led to buckets from the Greek Freak, and Milwaukee fans can’t wait to see more from the champion duo in the next few weeks.
