Turning it around
In many ways, Khris Middleton‘s performance Thursday night was emblematic of the Bucks’ overall play throughout the contest.
As the Bucks had stretches of inconsistent offense during the first two quarters, so did Middleton, who endured through a rough shooting first half and couldn’t get anything going from 3-point range, especially. But that all turned around in the third and fourth periods.
Middleton was his calm and collected self as he methodically gave the Bucks a balanced attack and hit jumpers from mid-range to make the 76ers’ defense pay. And he found his touch from long range where he hit all three of his triples for the night over the second half, with one being a four-point play.
All in all, Middleton posted 20 points on 17 shots (3-for-8 from long distance, 1-for-1 from the free throw line), seven rebounds, three assists and was a +3 in over 35 minutes of burn, continuing what has been an incredibly consistent stretch for the two-time All-Star.
All-Star Khris Middleton is really feeling it, folks. He's now scored 20+ points in a season-high five consecutive games and has reached the 20-point mark in all but one of his last nine games.
— Gabe Stoltz (@Stoltzy3) February 7, 2020
Having that go-to, well balanced scorer like Middleton has increasingly been as the season has gone on is such a critical asset for the Bucks, especially in the minutes without Antetokounmpo on the floor. And all Bucks fans will hope he can continue that level of play in similarly high pressure games as the year goes on.
Next up, the Bucks will travel down to the Sunshine State for a Saturday matinee game with the Orlando Magic, which will tip off at 4 p.m. central time.