Khris Middleton’s return was supposed to signify stability and renewed offensive versatility for the Milwaukee Bucks. After all, they were supposed to be welcoming back one of the best mid-range shooters in the league and someone who matched LeBron James in playoff clutch shots during the 2021 postseason run.
Instead, it has been a mixed bag so far. Since rejoining the lineup, Middleton has struggled mightily with his shot, going just 7-of-27 from the field (25.9 percent) and 3-of-12 (25 percent) from deep. This is through a total of four games and 85 minutes so far.
It's totally understandable, of course, and anyone coming back from injury is always going to need a bit of time to get back into the swing of things. But at the same time, for a player who’s long been Milwaukee’s go-to shot creator outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the slump is glaring.
The Bucks are waiting on Khris Middleton to do what he's always done
The Bucks don’t just need Middleton to score; they need him to be the efficient, three-level scorer who punished defenses in clutch situations, especially during their 2021 championship run.
His shot-creation, especially from the mid-range area, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success, opening up lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo and drawing defensive attention to free up perimeter shooters. Right now, that strength is noticeably absent.
To Khris Middleton’s credit, he’s been impactful in other ways.
As a play-connector and tertiary playmaker, he’s averaging an impressive 5.8 assists per game, helping keep the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense fluid. According to PBP Stats, the Bucks are a net +15.9 with Middleton on the court compared to -0.2 with him off it. Even in a scoring slump, he’s adding value, but that alone won’t suffice for a team with championship aspirations.
The flashes of his old self are there. Middleton has hit 42.9 percent of his midrange attempts (3-of-7), a number that indicates he still has his touch in that area.
The problem lies beyond the arc, where he’s made just 22.2 percent of his above-the-break threes (2-of-9). While the volume suggests confidence, the results haven’t followed yet. For the Milwaukee Bucks to take the next step, they’ll need more than just flashes—they’ll need consistency.
It's also worth mentioning that Taurean Prince, who has been starting in place of Middleton as he continues to work his way back from injury, is going through a bit of a slump of his own. He's gone scoreless in three of his last four games. The Bucks simply can't afford to have the entire small forward rotation unable to score.
With the Eastern Conference race heating up, the Bucks need Middleton
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Up next is a pivotal Emirates NBA Cup Finals clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the league’s most exciting young teams.
Immediately after, the Milwaukee Bucks face the Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. These matchups aren’t just about adding wins to the column; they’re about proving Milwaukee can contend with elite teams as the season approaches its midpoint.
The Bucks, now sixth in the East even despite them roaring back from their miserable start, are within striking distance of the third seed, just three games behind.
Middleton’s resurgence could be the difference between a mid-tier playoff position and the kind of momentum that sets the tone for a deep postseason run. His recent shooting woes are frustrating, but the hope lies in his track record. If he can rediscover his scoring touch in time for these critical games, the Milwaukee Bucks’ offensive ceiling rises dramatically.
For Milwaukee, Middleton isn’t just another player; he’s a vital cog in their championship machine. His ability to hit tough shots, facilitate when needed, and take pressure off Giannis and Damian Lillard makes him indispensable. The Bucks need him now more than ever—not just as a connector but as the scorer they’ve relied on for years.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Middleton has faced these challenges before. Injuries have slowed him down in the past, and he’s consistently bounced back to remind everyone why he’s an All-Star-caliber talent. The Bucks’ coaching staff, led by Doc Rivers, will need to strike the right balance between patience and urgency, giving Middleton the opportunities he needs to find his groove without compromising the team’s overall performance.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Middleton to rediscover the form that made him one of the most clutch players in Bucks history.
If he can, the team will be right back in the thick of the title hunt. If he can’t, Milwaukee may face some hard questions about their reliance on a player whose recent output hasn’t lived up to his past. Either way, the next few weeks will be critical, not just for Middleton but for the Milwaukee Bucks' pursuit of basketball’s ultimate prize.
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