Forward Khris Middleton made a strong return to the court after a 16-game absence, scoring 22 points and dishing out seven assists in the Milwaukee Bucks' 140-129 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Middleton, who had been sidelined due to a sprained ankle, showcased his skills right from the start, hitting a 3-pointer early in the game and maintaining his momentum throughout.
Bucks coach praised Middleton's impressive performance, highlighting his ability to look sharp despite the extended break. Middleton attributed his successful comeback to taking extra time in the rehab process to ensure his ankle was fully healed and his conditioning was up to par.
Despite facing injuries and minutes restrictions earlier in the season, Middleton had been averaging nearly 15 points on an impressive 48.7% shooting percentage. With only 14 games left in the regular season, the Bucks are counting on Middleton to stay healthy and contribute significantly.
Middleton's presence on the court also benefited his teammates, notably Bobby Portis, who scored a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Portis' first-half performance of 25 points set a new record for the most points scored by a reserve in a half this season.
In addition to Middleton and Portis, Milwaukee star Damian Lillard had a standout game with 31 points and 16 assists, becoming the first player in Bucks history to achieve at least 30 points and 15 assists in a single game.
Meanwhile, Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a late scratch due to left hamstring soreness, opted to rest after feeling sore during warmups in a previous game. Coach Rivers emphasized the importance of caution with Antetokounmpo's injury, especially with a five-day break before the next game against the Boston Celtics.
Overall, Middleton's return and stellar performance, along with the contributions of his teammates, propelled the Bucks to a significant victory over the Suns, showcasing the team's depth and resilience as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season.
