Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 99-95 win over Detroit Pistons
By Adam Coffman
Money Middleton
It’s been a rough few weeks for Khris Middleton as he finds his role on a team infused with new talent, but his performance on Wednesday was about as ideal as you could hope for.
Leading the club in scoring with 27 points and dishing eight assists to boot, Middleton was the team’s offensive focal point, presiding over a third-quarter stretch that saw the Bucks run all over Detroit even without Giannis on the court for a long while.
In finding his rhythm early, Middleton demonstrated markedly better shot selection than in previous games, favoring transition three-pointers and floaters over tough fadeaways and pull-up jumpers. When he did go to his post game, he stayed alert to openings on the perimeter, resulting in his eight assists.
All told, Middleton put up 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the second half, taking control of a Bucks’ offense that struggled to get good looks in the first 24 minutes.
His versatility as well as shot-making ability will be a crucial component to the Bucks’ rotations as they seek to maximize their main creators’ talents and bridge the gaps when the stars are off the floor.