Does Khris Middleton still have what it takes to help the Milwaukee Bucks make a run at another title?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday may get all the praise for elevating the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the league this season. But with the NBA Playoffs looming on the horizon, one player who will be key to the Bucks’ success is Khris Middleton.
Limited to just 30 games so far this season due to a number of injuries, the three-time All-Star is logging in subpar numbers this season as he tries to regain both his rhythm and form. The question is, can the 31-year-old find these things in time?
It seems Middleton turned a corner
This season, Middleton is averaging just 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His shooting efficiency has also faltered, as he is shooting a career-low 43% from the field, including a woeful 32% from behind the arc–the lowest mark of his career since his rookie season.
However, it appears Khris has indeed turned a corner. Since late January, he has been averaging 16.0 points, 4.8 boards, and 5.2 assists per outing in 24 minutes of action. The 6-foot-7 wingman has also looked more decisive on the floor, as evidenced by his 31-point outburst against the Sacramento Kings last March 13. Last night he had an even better performance in which he dropped a season-high 34 points in 34 minutes against the Pistons en route to a 126-117 victory.
Tough road ahead
There are several more games remaining on the Bucks’ slate in the regular season, which may help Middleton get more reps in before the Playoffs. As up-and-down as this campaign has been for him, his significance to the Bucks’ chances of capturing another NBA title is without question. After all, it wasn’t too long ago when Middleton was putting up 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the Bucks’ run to the championship in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
