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Doc Rivers attributes Milwaukee's surge to having a healthy roster

The Bucks are on a three-game winning streak.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

After a shaky start under coach Doc Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks have gotten into a groove and won their last three games, including a masterful 123-85 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.

With the 38-point blowout, the Bucks are enjoying what is by far their longest winning streak under Rivers as they improved to 6-7 after starting 1-5 with the veteran coach at the helm. The streak included impressive road wins over the Minnesota Timberwolves (112-107) and the Philadelphia Sixers (119-98).

Fortunate to have their big guns

The mini streak is something that Rivers expected, especially since the Bucks were able to stay healthy. Khris Middleton has actually missed his eighth straight game on Tuesday but the team's other key players have been available.

"I just think it was coming. I think health is the biggest difference," said Rivers. "Everybody's playing other than Khris (Middleton). I think that's one. I think our guys understand since the break we don't have a lot of time. And so we have to get to it, and our guys are starting to do that."

Khris nearing return

Middleton has not played since spraining his ankle in a 106-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns on February 6th. Good thing for the Bucks, Khris is the only starter to be hit by the injury bug as starters Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Malik Beasley have managed to stay healthy.

The current streak helped the Bucks cement their hold on the third spot in the Eastern Conference with a 38-21 record. Things will become more rosy for the Bucks as Rivers announced that Middleton is close to playing again, although it remains to be seen if the veteran shooter will be able to suit up for the team's duel with the Hornets on Thursday.

"If he goes, we think he may play," Rivers said. "I think it's that close. We got to be very careful with it."

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.