The Milwaukee Bucks just took a major bullet in the hunt for their first NBA Cup title! Khris Middleton, who’s been a go-to guy for Milwaukee in the past, hasn’t quite found his footing yet this season. Sure, he’s a seasoned vet, but even the best have off nights—and lately, Middleton’s been in a bit of a slump. But the problem isn’t his form.

Take the semi-final game against the Hawks, for example. Middleton came off the bench and played 22 minutes but barely made a dent. He scored six points on 2-of-7 shooting and added three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and a block. Not exactly the kind of performance that turns heads, right?

The real blow is that the veteran has been ruled out for the NBA Cup final. He won’t play owing to an illness. Emphasis on illness. Not an injury this time, so that’s the silver lining here. Still, the Bucks aren’t taking any chances with him. After undergoing two ankle surgeries in the offseason, Middleton missed the first month of the season, and Milwaukee is clearly being cautious about his return.

To be honest, his comeback has been pretty underwhelming so far. In the four games he’s played, Middleton’s stats have been far from what Bucks fans are used to—7 points, 3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in just over 21 minutes per game. He’s still trying to find his legs, and it’s clear the team doesn’t want to push him too hard. Given his injury history, can you really blame them?

The good news for Milwaukee is that their stars are picking up the slack.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have been absolute monsters, carrying the team through this stretch. The Bucks have gone 12-3 in their last 15 games, quickly flipping the script after a slow start, to a climb up the Eastern standings.

But Middleton’s chemistry with Giannis was starting to look good.

Khris Middleton was the playmaker Doc Rivers needed

The Milwaukee Bucks’ lack of playmakers has been a glaring issue, which feels odd for a team led by Dame and Giannis. But beyond those two, Doc Rivers has been stuck piecing together makeshift options—some painfully underwhelming.

Delon Wright struggled to create offense, Ryan Rollins barely sniffed the rotation post-injury, and AJ Green even got a shot as an emergency ball-handler. Pat Connaughton tried filling Middleton’s old role but looked uncomfortable, despite a career-high usage rate.

That’s why Khris Middleton’s return couldn’t come soon enough!

Even at less than 100 percent, his playmaking has been a lifeline for Milwaukee. Middleton has dished out 5.8 assists in just 21.3 minutes per game—well above his previous career-high of 5.4.

The best part? His chemistry with Antetokounmpo is as strong as ever. Whether it’s in transition or half-court sets, they move in perfect sync. Of Middleton’s assists this season, nearly 70% have gone to the Greek Freak. It’s like they haven’t missed a beat.

Defenses are paying attention too. Khris Middleton’s gravity opens up space for everyone else while he continues to keep his turnovers in check. Through his first four games, he’s averaged just over one turnover per outing—impressive for a player still shaking off rust!

Yes, his shot still needs work (he’s shooting just 25.9%), but Middleton’s presence has been a game-changer for the Bucks. His ability to create for others has lifted Doc Rivers and Co.’s offense and made life easier for Giannis, Dame, and the rest of the squad.