© Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Khris Middleton says the Milwaukee Bucks have to “figure out a way to win games and play together”
The Milwaukee Bucks are stuck inside a vortex of defensive inconsistency that’s threatening to derail their title hopes. A 112-97 setback at the hands of the Orlando Magic on Saturday night was the latest example of the Bucks’ struggles on the defensive end of the floor, as they surrendered 65 points in the first half alone, eventually leading to three different Magic players scoring at least 20 points.
After the game, All-Star wingman Khris Middleton kept his words simple, saying they must power through this rough stretch and figure out a way to get more wins on the board.
Keep playing together
At 5-4, it’s safe to say this is not where the Bucks expected to be this early in the season, but fortunately for them, there’s still plenty of time to make up ground. According to Middleton, the key is for the team to stick together and continue executing their game plan night in and night out.
“Just figuring out a way to win games and play together, simple as that,” Middleton said.
“Teams are working us on the defensive end, and we gotta figure out a way to do the same thing when we have the ball,” Middleton, who had 10 points and seven assists, added.
Making adjustments
Being a veteran who has experienced the highs and the lows of the league in his 11-year career, Middleton isn’t frazzled by the slump his team is in. After all, the Bucks have enough talent and veteran savvy to power through most opponents. However, he pointed out that they must figure each other out and adjust to the schemes being implemented by new head coach Adrian Griffin this season.
“I mean, we have so many talented guys. We’ve shown that we can do it in the past, but right now, I think we’re just trying to figure each other out, learn a new system, learn new schemes and philosophies. But now we have to start putting that knowledge into action,” Middleton said.
