Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From Loss To Denver Nuggets

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At a time when the team looks less reliable than ever overall, it’s a great comfort to not only see Khris Middleton back on the floor, but resembling the best version of himself.

Middleton scored 20 points in Milwaukee’s last game before the All-Star break on the road in Brooklyn, but had struggled since his team’s return to action with the break having perhaps disrupted his momentum.

The 25-year-old regained his rhythm on Wednesday, though, albeit if it involved him coming off the bench. Middleton finished the game with the Nuggets with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Most notable of all was the effortlessness with which Middleton was knocking down his jump-shot, particularly from distance. Returning from a hamstring injury of the severity that Middleton suffered in training camp, the concern was always going to be how quickly he’d be able to get his legs under him and feel comfortable with his shot.

There have been signs of rust, but less than were to be expected, and that was emphasized by Middleton’s 7-12 from the field against Denver. Making 3-3 from deep on the night, Middleton’s three-point percentage for the season is now up to a startling 58.3 percent.

It’s going to be too late for Middleton to transform a season that for the most part already seems to have gotten away from the Bucks, but for the longer-term future his comfort since returning should certainly be a cause for great relief.