Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton, Ersan Ilyasova shine in consecutive wins

MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 28: (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 28: (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).

In back to back games without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton has stepped up immensely, with the help of Ersan Ilyasova, for the Milwaukee Bucks.

This past 10-game stretch may be the best of the season for Khris Middleton. When it was announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo was dealing with back soreness, it was expected that he might miss a few games, leaving a big hole for Middleton to fill as he takes the reins.

Looking promising as of late, it’s been interesting to see what Middleton has been capable of without Antetokounmpo beside him.

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In the first game without their superstar, Middleton carried the Bucks to victory with a massive 112-86 win over the depleted Atlanta Hawks. Scoring a game-high 23 points, Middleton shot 52.6 percent from the field and 50 percent from deep, while also grabbing eight rebounds and dishing seven assists.

Without Antetokounmpo in the lineup, Ersan Ilyasova was given the starting spot, and he took full advantage. Having his best game of the season, Ilyasova went on to score 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-2 from deep, and hauled in a massive 17 rebounds.

With no time to catch their breath, the Bucks headed back home to Milwaukee to face the Orlando Magic the following night. After it was announced Antetokounmpo would miss his second straight game, the Bucks were hopeful that Middleton and Ilyasova could carry over some of their momentum back to Milwaukee.

The Bucks won once again behind Middleton’s efforts, this time 111-101, despite a hard-fought game against the Magic. Middleton led the Bucks with 21 points, and although struggling from the field, connecting on 7-17 shots, including 1-5 from behind the arc, he did have a game-high seven assists. That meant getting his teammates involved as four other Bucks scored in double figures.

Middleton would get some more help from Ilyasova, who also carried over his success, scoring 17 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in his second consecutive start. Ilyasova also put on another impressive offensive display, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, including 5-of-6 from three-point territory. After being solid if unspectacular with his play for most of this season, it is incredible to see Ilyasova have two monstrous games consecutively. Perhaps these performances could help spark a rhythm that Ilyasova could carry as the season goes on.

As for Middleton, it is good to see him score 20 points or more in four of his last five games. Statistically, the 28-year old could be on pace to make his second All-Star appearance but will need to continue putting up impressive numbers to do so. Whether he makes the cut or not, the Bucks will continue to depend on his stellar play as a second option.

With no timetable set for Antetokounmpo’s return or real insight on the seriousness of his back soreness, the Milwaukee Bucks may need to continue relying on the pair for a while longer yet.

This shouldn’t be a problem as this Milwaukee team has a soft schedule ahead, and with Ilyasova playing well in the power forward spot beside Middleton, there is no reason to rush the MVP back into the lineup.