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“Just doing a little bit of everything, he set a good tone for us early” -  Mike Budenholzer reacts on Khris Middleton’s solid game in return to a starting role

Khris Middleton produced big numbers in his return to starting unit.
Matthew Dugandzic|
“Just doing a little bit of everything, he set a good tone for us early” -  Mike Budenholzer reacts on Khris Middleton’s solid game in return to a starting role
“Just doing a little bit of everything, he set a good tone for us early” -  Mike Budenholzer reacts on Khris Middleton’s solid game in return to a starting role

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Milwaukee BucksOrlando Magic

Khris Middleton on Tuesday night played as a starter for the first time after over two months, and the former All-Star was spectacular.

Back in the starting five

Middleton marked his first start since December 15th with a solid double-double, helping the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks squad cruise to a 134-123 win over the Orlando Magic.

Middleton was solid in 31 minutes of action, wounding up with 24 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, and a steal.

The deadly shooter missed several games due to various injuries, and when he returned from a long 18-game layoff, he played off the bench while still trying to get back into top shape.

His return to the starting role came when the Bucks missed the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo (non-COVD-19 illness) and Jrue Holiday (sore neck).

“It felt like it was the right time for (Middleton) to get up to the 30-minute plateau, with Jrue and Giannis not playing,” Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Milwaukee got off to a strong start and ended the first quarter with a 36-26 lead. Middleton keyed that terrific start by the Bucks by scoring seven points in the opening period.

Bud praises Khris

“Just doing a little bit of everything, he set a good tone for us early. We were fortunate to have him come off the bench for us for a long time, and now he’s going to continue to do those things where he’s always been, in our starting lineup,” said Budenholzer.

Brook Lopez, who led the Bucks with 26 points, said seeing Middleton playing as a fellow starter was a welcome sight.

“It’s crazy that we played so long without him this season…but it was obviously important for him to get healthy and get right,” Lopez said.

The win over the Magic hiked the Bucks’ NBA-best record to 47-18. With Middleton clearly back in his old deadly self, things are just going to look brighter for Milwaukee.

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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.