“Right now, I'm trying to be as aggressive as I can!” - Khris Middleton on getting his groove back
Slowly but surely, Milwaukee Bucks gunner Khris Middleton is getting back his groove, and that was evident on Tuesday night when he helped the Milwaukee Bucks pick up another win.
Swaying the game in the Bucks favor
Middleton came out with what was by far his finest performance since returning from an 18-game absence, leading the Bucks to a 124-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
In another reserve role, Middleton recorded his highest scoring performance since returning from the long layoff when he scored 18 points—the bulk of which came when the Bucks needed a scoring spark.
The first half ended with the two teams tied at 67. It was still a close game until Middleton took over. The 3x All-Star scored 11 points during a 14-3 run late in the third quarter that enabled the Bucks to take a 97-90 lead into the fourth quarter.
That was all the Bucks needed to put the Hornets away, as they went on to achieve a 17-point lead at one point in the final quarter to walk away with their fifth straight victory.
Finding the groove
For the 6-foot-7 shooter, the goal is to be as productive as he can while Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer gradually integrates him into his old starting role.
"Right now, I'm trying to be as aggressive as I can," Middleton said. "I know it sounds simple or whatever, but that's just the mindset I'm trying to come up with, especially with my limited minutes."
Middleton played 20 minutes against the Hornets, the longest that he was on the floor after playing not more than 18 minutes since his return. Middleton certainly flashed his old productive self in this one, as he also had three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Playing off the bench is something not new for the deadly shooter, and that's the big reason why Middleton remains productive despite the limited minutes.
"I started my career coming off the bench, so it doesn't really bother me at all," Middleton said. "I've been on the bench before, not playing games, sometimes coming in the first quarter, second quarter, or sometimes not until the second half. I just know I have to stay ready and have to be loose."
For the five games that he played so far after returning from the 18-game layoff, Middleton is averaging 12.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Milwaukee fans should expect Khris to be even more productive as his minutes gradually increase.
"Hopefully, as my minutes keep going (up), I keep the same mindset because it's been working," he said.
