Bucks Zone

Mike Budenholzer explains why Khris Middleton was not on the floor at the start of the first overtime vs. the Golden State Warriors

Middleton's absence in the first overtime was crucial for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Matthew Dugandzic|
Mike Budenholzer explains why Khris Middleton was not on the floor at the start of the first overtime vs. the Golden State Warriors
Mike Budenholzer explains why Khris Middleton was not on the floor at the start of the first overtime vs. the Golden State Warriors

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Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors played a heck of a game on Sunday night in an incredible clash of titans that went the distance. Playing without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were able to hang tough and make it all the way to overtime before finally succumbing in a thrilling game.

But one of the most discussed topics afterward was why Khris Middleton did not see any action at the start of the overtime session. With the game hanging in the balance, Middleton’s absence was conspicuous and raised some questions.

Still managing Middleton’s minutes

After playing 32 minutes in regulation, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer opted to err on the side of caution and keep his All-Star wingman on the bench for the first three minutes of overtime. However, with the Warriors’ star Stephen Curry getting hot, Golden State seized the momentum and took a 120-113 lead before Middleton got back into the game.

“We’re trying to be very diligent in how we bring back Khris and keep him healthy,” Budenholzer said. “He couldn’t play, he wasn’t going to play all five minutes of the overtime, so to have him as a closer, and he played — you know, those hard decisions, they don’t always work, but I think overall his body’s in a good place. We’re trying to take the long road with him. It’s hard, tough decisions in the middle of games.”

Middleton has played in just 24 games this season due to a recovery period from off-season wrist surgery and knee soreness. For this reason, the Bucks remain cautious with the veteran forward.

Injury scare

Middleton also twisted his ankle at the most improbable of times. With the Warriors breathing down their necks, Middleton said he rolled his ankle and lost the ball which led to Curry making a transition layup to tie the game up at 108-all.

“I just rolled my ankle,” Middleton shared. “Rolled my ankle at the wrong time. It happens. It’s unfortunate. I just gotta take that, but yeah, just rolled my ankle, fell, coughed up the ball for the potential game-tying layup.”

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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.