Milwaukee Bucks: 3 stars from eventful Game 1 victory over Heat

Milwaukee Bucks: 3 stars from eventful Game 1 victory over Heat – Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton was the undisputed hero for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1, hitting the go-ahead jump shot with 0.5 seconds left in overtime to top off his 27-point performance. Middleton also added six assists, six rebounds, and two steals to complement his game-winner and team-high in points.

The game was tied 107-107 in crunch time with the shot clock turned off, and Middleton had the ball at the top of the key. Brook Lopez came up to set him a screen, Khris dribbled to his left with Trevor Ariza switching onto him, and then shifted back to the right toward Duncan Robinson before fading away and swishing the dagger. It was an impressive clutch shot, to say the least.

“He was able to get to his spot, rise up and, you know, that’s what he does,” Antetokounmpo said about his long-time teammate. Lopez added, “I just tried to give him a good screen and get him open. And he made a fantastic play as usual.”

The Bucks have pure confidence in Middleton taking those shots at the end of games, and he’s done so plenty of times while leading the team in clutch points this season. This is nothing new for Khris as he continues to shine in late-game moments during both the regular season and playoffs throughout his career.

He’s still known as one of the most underrated players around the league, and you can see why. The two-time All-Star doesn’t get the kind of respect from the media that other All-Stars receive even though he’s proved to be a reliable, efficient scorer that delivers under pressure.

Khris Middleton deserves more recognition for his contributions as he’s consistently served a valuable role on this championship-contending team in Milwaukee. He’s identified himself as the leading closer for the Bucks and struck ice in his veins once again to lift his team in Game 1.