Middleton Overcomes Illness
Khris Middleton struggled in this series, but produced, in spite of illness, in the win or go home situation. He put up 19 points, shooting 6-13 from the field, 3-5 from three, and 4-7 from the line. As well as four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three turnovers.
Middleton struggled to create the space necessary to get a good shot off throughout series. Although he had an efficient Game 6, he still struggled to create good looks for himself, and others at times. It was difficult for Middleton to find an open look within the offense, as things stagnated, but he stepped aside and allowed Giannis to create as much as possible.
When the 25-year-old did get the ball, his opponent was right up in his chest, making it difficult to get a shot off, or dribble past them to create an opportunity. Coming off his hamstring injury, looking fatigued down the final stretch of the regular season, the Raptors played him perfectly.
It’s hard to judge Middleton’s playoff run under normal circumstances considering the injury trouble he faced this season.
If he’s healthy entering the playoffs next season (and of course, if Milwaukee makes them), he has the mindset to be a huge game changer, hitting clutch shots to advance Milwaukee deeper into the playoffs.