NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 4

 NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 4 – No. 1: Khris Middleton isn’t afraid of the moment

Another postseason game, another clutch performance from Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Khris Middleton. Time and time again, Middleton has delivered down the stretch when needed most, and that’s exactly what the future Olympian did in Game 4 while erupting for a 40-piece bomb.

Middleton finished with 40 points on 45.5 percent field goals, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three 3’s through 43 minutes. It was a historic night for the former 39th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, who became the first second-round draft pick in NBA History to score 40 points in an NBA Finals game.

As Middleton was staying aggressive and firing on all cylinders throughout the contest, he ultimately took control of the moment in the fourth quarter. With 2:15 left on the clock in regulation, Khris went on to sink the Suns by outscoring them 10-4 by himself.

“We want him to have the ball. We want him to be the decision-maker,” long-time teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo said about his co-star. “We know he’s gonna take big shots, gonna make big shots. Tonight, he was incredible.”

Jrue Holiday added, “He has no fear. And he never has. He’s never been afraid of the moment, so putting him in this situation is kind of perfect.” Clearly, Middleton’s teammates believe in his abilities to take over the game in late-game scenarios and why wouldn’t they when he’s consistently shown he can deliver in the biggest moments under pressure?

Middleton has made 15 game-tying or go-ahead shots in the fourth quarter or overtime this postseason, which is tied with LeBron James for the most in a single playoff during the last 25 seasons, per ESPN. His poise, comfortability, and killer mentality to want the ball in these clutch situations and efficiently execute to carry his team on a stage like the NBA Finals has been exceedingly magnificent. It’s been extremely impressive to watch.

Khris Middleton has been underrated his entire career, so to see him blossom and earn deserving respect while uplifting his legacy here in the Finals has been a commendable feature. Phoenix will attempt to adjust their coverages on him, but Middleton’s reliable shot-making and playmaking down the stretch could be the main factor that helps propel Milwaukee toward glory.