4 Studs and 2 duds from the Milwaukee Bucks' convincing win over Phoenix Suns

Stud - Khris Middleton

It was a very impressive return to the court for Khris Middleton and he played as if he hadn't missed any time. He finished the game with 22 points, seven assists, three rebounds on 53 percent shooting and 50 percent from deep. Doc Rivers played him for 25 minutes which is a good return for someone playign their first game in over a month.

The Bucks first score of the game came from Middleton through a pullup three and from there he didn't look back. Middleton was slowly eased into the game with him only playing five minutes in the first quarter but it became clear that he had a calming effect on the Bucks. His shot creating ability at all levels we know is stellar but I think his ability to just stay calm and continue doing his thing at his pace goes unnoticed and it has an effect on other guys on the team when they know he brings another dimension to the offense.

As a tandem, he and Giannis have always made a great duo and forever complemented each other. Yet, Portis really showed his ability to just play at ease without him, and with Lillard, they had a great partnership.

At full strength, the Bucks have one of the best starting fives in the league. For games down the stretch, they can go to Giannis down low in the paint but also have two guys who can score from anywhere and have been closers at the highest and most pressurising points in an NBA season.

Down the stretch, I think we will see Middleton continue to play around 25 minutes per game and work towards being ready for the postseason as he hits the 30 to 35 minute mark. Doc Rivers will be cautious with it, and we may see him miss some games, but if he's healthy for the playoffs, the Bucks are a serious threat to win it all.