Mar 7, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) takes a shot against Washington Wizards forward Rasual Butler (8) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Middleton scored 30 points to help the Bucks beat the Wizards 91-85. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
When the Milwaukee Bucks traded Brandon Knight to the Suns the immediate concern was who would provide late-game scoring. By default the name that most commonly came up was Khris Middleton’s. And why not? He can shoot the three, shoot mid-range jumpers, and post up on the low-block. Immediately after the trade Middleton struggled as the key cog in the Buck’s offense…until tonight.
Khris “Money” Middleton’s career-high 30 points on 11-20 (6-9 from three) propelled the Bucks to a much needed home victory over the Washington Wizards, 91-85.
On a night where the Buck’s honored Bob Dandridge by retiring his #10 jersey the Bucks came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Michael Carter-Williams flashed his passing ability early, notching six assists on the Buck’s first six made baskets as the team jumped out to a 16-6 lead.
Bob Dandridge was surely smiling from the sideline–a smile he held long into the third quarter as the Bucks took a dominant 60-43 lead on a Khris Middleton three pointer. But a 16-1 Wizards run fueled by four straight three pointers saw the Wizards close to within two–the margin between the two teams going into the fourth quarter.
The two Eastern Conference playoff contenders played shot for shot deep into the pivotal fourth quarter. With :45 seconds remaining and the score tied, 84-84, Khris Middleton took and missed a three pointer; but Zaza Pachulia tracked down the loose rebound and passed it out to the still open Middleton on the perimeter. “Money” Middleton did not miss this time.
We saw a lot of interesting things from the Bucks this game. It was an emergence (of sorts) by Michael Carter-Williams, a statement game by Khris Middleton, and a good collective rebounding effort.
With the win the Milwaukee Bucks improve to 33-29 and are now just 1.5 game behind the Washington Wizards for the fifth seed in the East.
What a way to end a dry spell. Read more about it in our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reactions.
Next: Reactions: The Good