USA Today via Reuters
Jul 14, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is mobbed by teammates after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 14, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) is mobbed by teammates after making a shot during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks coming into this season where one of the best teams in the regular season. But the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton fell flat in the post-season.
But after some roster changes and some changes in their playing styles, the Bucks are finally are the biggest stage of them all as they take on the Phoenix Suns in the Finals. While new addition Jrue Holiday has been impressive, it has been Middleton and Giannis who have led the team in the offensive end.
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Khris Middleton ties incredible record with LeBron James
The duo of Middleton and Giannis has truly been the driving force for the Bucks in the playoffs. While Giannis has continued to be a beast on both ends of the court, he has had a very big difference as he has stuck to his strength and is rarely taking unnecessary shots. This trend is specifically visible in the fourth quarter.
With Giannis anchoring the defense and preferring to score in transition, the Bucks have resorted to Khris Middleton as their closer. So far, it has worked magnificently for the Bucks. While Middleton is streaky at times, more or less he has delivered when the Bucks have called upon on him.
Khris Middleton has made 15 game-tying or go-ahead shots in the 4th-quarter/OT this postseason.
That’s tied with LeBron James (2007) for the most in a single playoffs in the last 25 seasons. pic.twitter.com/P5vJL03oxg
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 15, 2021
His numbers certainly speak for themselves. This playoffs, the 30-year-old has had 15 game tying or go-ahead shots in the fourth quarter or overtime. Middleton’s tally is only matched by LeBron James in the last 25 years, who achieved the same feat in 2007.
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This speaks volumes about Middleton’s incredible campaign in the playoffs. Not only is he a decent perimeter defender, his ability to hit from the mid-range or even the pull-up three pointer, make him a threat for any team.
He has truly shown that he can be the real ‘Batman’ for the Bucks and take the game on his head. His recent 40-point performance was the testament to the same. With a series tied at 2-2, it will be Middleton and Jrue Holiday who will be the X-Factor for Milwaukee.
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Giannis will be a beast for Milwaukee anyways, but if the Bucks are hoping to win the title for the first time since 1971, their guards have to be consistent especially in the offensive end. Can the trio of Middleton, Holiday and Giannis lead the Bucks to their second NBA championship ever?
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