Video: Bucks top Suns on Khris Middleton's improbable buzzer-beater
On the final possession of a one-point game, Milwaukee's Khris Middleton took a desperation heave out of a broken play that, frankly, had no business going down. It did, however, thanks to a few generous bounces off the rim and backboard along with a kind roll. With it, the Bucks bested the Suns 96-94.
Leading up to Middleton's shot, Milwaukee and Phoenix had traded baskets on five consecutive possessions. The most recent was a go-ahead jumper from Suns forward Markieff Morris, left open after the Bucks leaned in too closely to defend a P.J. Tucker post-up. Bucks coach Jason Kidd called a timeout to draw up one final play and ended up with Middleton's serendipity. Jared Dudley appeared to be the bail-out option on the play, and he was able to spring free in time to receive an inbound pass and execute a handoff back to Middleton.
Just last week, Phoenix lost on another unfortunate bounce taken by a game-winning, last-second three-pointer. Clippers forward Blake Griffin hoisted up a bomb as time expired and got the benefit of the doubt from the rim and backboard:
With this latest victory, Milwaukee improves to 13-12 with a winning record (5-4) against Western Conference teams. Phoenix, on the other hand, continues its uncharacteristic free fall with a sixth consecutive loss and eighth in its last 10 games.