Bucks Updates: Middleton’s Adjustment, Season Commencement, Lillard…
Jamal Collier of ESPN highlights the transition for Bucks’ star small forward Khris Middleton within Milwaukee’s offensive dynamics.
With the addition of All-Star point guard Damian Lillard, Middleton now finds himself in a secondary role, receiving fewer touches compared to ex-Trail Blazer and two-time MVP power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Managing a lingering right knee injury and Achilles tendinitis adds further complexity to Middleton’s adaptation.
Middleton acknowledges his altered role, stating, “Figuring out when to be aggressive, when to be a playmaker, and when just to fit in is part of my role now.” Antetokounmpo acknowledges the shift, recognizing Middleton’s maturity and acceptance of his role, praising his performance and expressing optimism about increased playing time in the future.
Additional insights from Milwaukee:
Despite holding the second seed in the East with a 22-7 record, Eric Nehm of The Athletic emphasizes the Bucks’ awareness that there’s room for growth, particularly in defense without Jrue Holiday. Antetokounmpo underscores the need for improvement both offensively and defensively, emphasizing the importance of seamless teamwork. The team’s talent compensates for occasional lack of synchronization, enabling victories even in less polished performances.
Collier, in a separate piece, notes the Bucks’ initially underwhelming start with Damian Lillard but observes a positive trend. Lillard acknowledges the time required for a team of skilled players to gel and asserts that the Bucks are becoming more comfortable and cohesive.
The team’s recent 8-1 record in December is indicative of improved performance. Notably, the Bucks boast the top offense in the NBA this month, scoring 125.9 points per 100 possessions, a significant shift from being the 29th-ranked defense after five games.
In a noteworthy achievement, Antetokounmpo earned the Eastern Conference Player of the Week title. His impressive stats last week included an average of 36 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
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