For the past two games, the Milwaukee Bucks have been without both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard due to injuries and illnesses.
Despite playing without their top two scorers, the Bucks haven't faltered. In fact, they've won both of those games, first with a 112-101 effort against the Washington Wizards and then a 112-91 win over the Chicago Bulls. In these back-to-back wins, the Milwaukee Bucks have been knocking out several birds with one stone. That said, let us look at a few things they've achieved.
The Bucks are buying their stars valuable time to rest and recover
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have shouldered a significant portion of the workload for the Bucks this season. Giannis is the NBA's leading scorer; Lillard is having an All-Star-caliber season. It's clear that they could have used a break to catch their breath and recover, and their teammates have afforded them that luxury by winning games in their absence.
With the Milwaukee Bucks winning without their stars, there may be less urgency to rush them back into the lineup. Those two want to be out there, and they may be willing to play through their ailments, but knowing this team can string together wins without them likely makes it easier for them to sit on the sidelines for another game or two. The Bucks do not need to rush anyone back from injury.
Khris Middleton is finding his footing for the Bucks
Understandably, Khris Middleton looked pretty rusty to start the season. Initially serving as a member of the second unit, Middleton reclaimed his starting small forward spot during this two-game stretch of games, with Doc Rivers knowing this team needed a jolt of star power. With more responsibility in terms of generating offense as a scorer and playmaker, Middleton has gotten into a nice groove.
Against the Wizards, Middleton finished with 18 points, eight assists and six boards. Against Chicago, he scored a season-high 21 points on 60 percent shooting while also notching five rebounds and five assists. He's looked like the Khris Middleton Milwaukee Bucks fans have been waiting for, and if the forward keeps this up, this two-game slate may end up being a vital turning point.
The Bucks are simply winning games
Above all else, the Milwaukee Bucks are winning games despite being without their superstar tandem, and it's because players are stepping up. Bobby Portis has pieced together strong performances, and Ryan Rollins has made the most of his return to the rotation, proving why he should be in it for good. Of course, Khris Middleton has also looked great as the floor general, as discussed.
Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on the pine, it feels like the Milwaukee Bucks are generating some momentum as they continue shaking off their early-season rust. Only time will tell when the Bucks get one or both of their stars back in the lineup, but until then, the rest of the team will continue doing their part to hold things down.
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