10. Middleton has a career night in Charlotte
In spite of some shaky moments, Khris Middleton had a career year in 2017-18, averaging 20.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest.
In the eyes of many, this season has distinguished Middleton as one of Milwaukee’€™s premier players. But the start of the 2017-18 season was anything but sunshine and rainbows for the sixth year forward as he plunged into an almighty offensive hole, which he took some time to emerge from.
In his first seven games to start the season, Middleton was averaging only 16 points, while shooting sub 40 percent from the field and 20 percent from deep. Middleton looked a shadow of his former self and was forcing plays in an attempt to shoot himself out of this poor patch of form. Calls to trade Middleton were coming thick and fast as Milwaukee were desperate to find help for All-Star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Then came Middleton’s moment as he exploded against the Charlotte Hornets for a career high 43 points, while also contributing seven assists and five rebounds. Admittedly, this amazing performance came in a losing effort that night as Milwaukee lost 126-121, but it was more about what was to come for Middleton, rather than the result on that evening.
Over the following 10 games, Middleton went on an offensive rampage, averaging 22.7 points while shooting close to 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from deep. The Middleton of old had awoken and since then, he has not turned back.
The confidence Middleton had gained from that one night in Charlotte was immeasurable and certainly turned the fortunes of Milwaukee’€™s season around.