Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 137-134 win over Washington Wizards

Clutch Khris

After dropping a career-high masterpiece in the Bucks’ first meeting against the Wizards this season, Khris Middleton delivered another memorable performance against Washington Monday night.

In over 40 minutes of action, the first time a Bucks player has played more than 40 minutes in a game this season, Middleton finished with 40 points on 28 shots (2-for-8 from three, 8-of-8 from the line), five rebounds, five assists, three steals, two turnovers and was a +6 on the night.

The two-time All-Star first made his presence felt as he set his sights on burying shots from mid-range and at the free throw line during the Bucks’ strong start.

But it was in the second half when Middleton made his move to lead the team to victory, especially with Antetokounmpo saddled with foul trouble. Middleton’s eyes must have widened on every mismatch he could generate and the bucket seemingly grew bigger with every passing mid-range jumper he put down throughout the third and fourth quarters.

Of course, there was a moment in time late in the fourth quarter and early on in the overtime period where it looked as if Middleton’s scoring magic ran out, leaving Bledsoe and Lopez to pick up the pieces during those frantic minutes. Thankfully, a trip to the free throw line helped kickstart Middleton again in overtime, where he then knocked down yet another mid-ranger and his second three within the final two minutes which helped to set the stage for the Bucks to take the victory.

In a career year that’s been marked by such towering highs, being able to craft such a performance, even against a mediocre Wizards team that’s searching for a shot to make the playoffs, may be the new high mark for Middleton at this stage of the season.