Khris Middleton returned in style for the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The three-time All-Star looked like he hadn’t missed a beat despite missing the last 16 games due to a left ankle sprain. Middleton logged 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, three rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and two triples in 25 highly productive minutes in his first game back.
Middleton’s successful return to action, however, was overshadowed by Damian Lillard going berserk in Milwaukee’s impressive 140-129 victory over the Suns.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Khris Middleton Sounds Off on Damian Lillard’ Heroics
Middleton doesn’t mind at all that Dame’s taken the spotlight after his majestic performance in Sunday’s matinee showdown. After all, Lillard absolutely deserves all the praise after leading a Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks side to a huge win over the mighty Suns.
“He was just, I think, picking them apart really,” Middleton said of Lillard, via Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Mostly just seeing the crowd that he was attracting and just getting it off early. He trusted the guys out there to make the plays and hit the shots for him. But I think he did a great job of picking and choosing on when to attack that big off the double team and then also just knowing when to get off of it and not forcing things too much.”
As Middleton said, Lillard had his way against Phoenix’s defense in this one as the eight-time All-Star exploded for 31 points on 10-of-19 shooting. Dame made sure to get his teammates involved too, with 16 dimes to match his career high.
Thankfully, it appears that Giannis will be back in the mix for Milwaukee’s next game as the Bucks finally get to field their Big 3 yet again. This could not come at a more perfect time with the Bucks set to face off against a powerhouse Boston Celtics side on Wednesday at the TD Garden.
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