“He just does a lot of little things for us on both ends that really make a big difference” - Mike Budenholzer on Khris Middleton’s impact on the Milwaukee Bucks
The return of Khris Middleton has done wonders for the Milwaukee Bucks, just as everyone actually expected.
Bud praises Khris
After the Bucks' eighth straight win on Monday night via a 127-108 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach Mike Budenholzer spoke highly of Middleton, who has been brilliant since returning from an 18-game absence due to knee issues.
"He's huge. Just his ability to space, his ability to get off quickly, his range, he extends behind the line..pretty significant amount. He just does a lot of little things for us on both ends that really make a big difference," Budenholzer stressed.
The Bucks have yet to lose since Middleton returned, but he remains under a minutes restriction while working his way back to top in-game shape.
The former All-Star has not played more than 22 minutes in each of the games he played since his return, but the limited minutes have not stopped the 3x All-Star from being efficient.
Before their match against the Blazers, Khris was good for 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game since returning from the 18-game absence.
Stepping up
Middleton's efficiency has helped the Bucks cushion the ill effects of the absence of Bobby Portis Jr., who went down with an injury on the same day that Khris returned.
"You know, I think having Khris back, getting 20-plus minutes from him, has been really helpful. We missed Bobby right now, but we're a team focused on getting better, focused on each day," Budenholzer said.
Budenholzer said having Khris in the lineup makes the Bucks more difficult to cover, as it gives more room for their top gun Giannis Antetokounmpo to operate.
"The threat of his shot creates so many opportunities. When the bigs roll, they have to contest his three-point shots, his pull-ups. He has a great touch, great timing, great pass, great vision. That's what we've seen a lot from Khris over the years," said Budenholzer.
It is the firepower that Middleton provides and of course, the brilliance of Antetokounmpo that made the Bucks a strong title contender this season.
The Bucks are just half a game behind the Eastern Conference leaders Boston Celtics, and fans can expect the squad to get better as the season progresses, Budenholzer assured.
"We wanna keep a good rhythm going. We wanna feel good, work each day to get better," Budenholzer said.
