For obvious reasons, trading Khris Middleton was a bold and monumental move for a Milwaukee Bucks franchise that would not have won its first ring in 50 years without him. But the circumstances were what they were, and general manager Jon Horst saw fit to trade the franchise cornerstone for another shot at extending the team's title window in the Giannis Antetokounmpo era.
The reactions were understandably mixed, but that may begin to taper off going forward. The Milwaukee Bucks’ first two games back after the All-Star Break were a statement—not just for the team but for the newcomers, who are quickly proving why Jon Horst and the front office paid such a steep price just to bring them to Milwaukee.
In a hard-fought 116-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the trio of newcomers in Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, and Kevin Porter Jr. all came up huge, showcasing the exact skills and energy the Bucks front office clearly had in mind when they made the moves to acquire them. Then followed the gritty 104-101 win against the Washington Wizards and Middleton himself, where the newcomers played their roles to perfection, showing that depth still matters in this league.
Both wins weren't just a testament to the potential of these new-look Bucks; they gave us all a glimpse into how these new pieces could elevate the team to another level as they gear up for the playoffs. And after an up-and-down season, the future may finally be looking up for the contending Milwaukee Bucks.
New Bucks did exactly what they were acquired to do in two latest wins
Let's start with the biggest acquisition: Kyle Kuzma’s impact against the Clippers went far beyond the box score. While his stat line of 13 points, seven rebounds and an assist doesn't sound all that impressive, his presence was felt on both sides of the ball. He then dropped 19, eight, and five against his former team in the next game, showing consistent two-way impact despite his slightly inefficient scoring efforts.
Offensively, he knocked down open looks when the Bucks needed them, including a clutch 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. But it was on the defensive end where Kuzma truly shined. Tasked with guarding Kawhi Leonard for much of the night, Kuzma held the Clippers’ star to just 40 percent shooting. This writer has argued that Kyle Kuzma could quietly become the answer to Milwaukee's perimeter defense struggles, and this game showed why.
Kuzma also made several hustle plays that don’t show up in the stat sheet, including taking a crucial charge late in the game and diving for loose balls. His energy and effort were infectious, setting the tone for the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense and helping them secure a hard-fought win. This is exactly what the Bucks were hoping for when they traded for Kuzma: a versatile, high-energy player who can contribute on both ends of the floor and make winning plays when it matters most.
While Jericho Sims’ statistical production in limited minutes might not seem impressive, his impact has been undeniable. Sims’ athleticism and mobility have been on full display, offering a stark contrast to Brook Lopez’s more methodical style of play.
Sims’ ability to roll to the hoop and finish above the rim adds a new dimension to the Bucks’ offense, giving them a much-needed lob threat and a player who can thrive in transition. With this kind of performance now in the rearview mirror, it's truly a wonder that head coach Doc Rivers went this long without playing the young center.
Defensively, Sims’ quickness and length allowed him to switch onto smaller players and contest shots without fouling. As the Bucks get more comfortable with his skill set, Sims could become a key piece in their rotation, providing the athleticism and energy they’ve been missing in the frontcourt.
It's clear he isn't going to be an offensive force: he went scoreless against Los Angeles but managed to grab five rebounds, dished out an assist and provide stout defense. Considering the team's needs, that's more than enough.
The real story of the past few games, however, was Kevin Porter Jr. In just 15 minutes against the Clippers, KPJ dropped 13 points on 71 percent shooting, including a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch to seal the victory for the hobbled Milwaukee Bucks. That performance was enough for Doc Rivers to give him 23 minutes in the next game, where he dropped 12 points, three rebounds and three assists in the winning effort off the bench.
His ability to create his own shot and score in bunches gave the Bucks a much-needed spark off the bench, and his defensive effort was equally impressive. KPJ finished the game with a +/- of plus eight, the highest rating of any Milwaukee Bucks player, and his energy and intensity were palpable every time he stepped on the court.
KPJ’s performance was a reminder of why the Bucks took a chance on him. When he’s locked in, he’s a dynamic scorer and a capable defender who can change the game in an instant. If he can continue to provide this kind of production off the bench, he could be the X-factor the Milwaukee Bucks need to make a deep playoff run.
With Kuzma in the mix, the Bucks unveiled a new starting lineup featuring Taurean Prince at the two alongside Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard. This lineup gives the Bucks more size, versatility and defensive flexibility, allowing them to match up with a variety of opponents. Kuzma’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him an ideal fit in this group, and his energy and effort set the tone for the rest of the team.
The additions of Kuzma, Sims, and KPJ have given the Bucks something they’ve been missing all season: athleticism and speed. These newcomers have not only helped the Milwaukee Bucks stay solid defensively but have also allowed them to pick up the pace offensively, creating more transition opportunities and easy baskets.
The Bucks’ win over the Clippers was a statement—not just for the team, but for the newcomers who are quickly proving their worth. Kyle Kuzma’s energy and defense, Jericho Sims’ athleticism and Kevin Porter Jr.’s scoring punch were all on full display, showcasing exactly why the Bucks traded for them. If these players can continue to contribute at this level, the Milwaukee Bucks could be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
If this game is any indication, the Bucks’ newcomers are ready to rise to the occasion. The pieces are in place. Now it’s up to the Bucks to put it all together and make a run at another championship.