Khris Middleton made his return on Friday after an extended period of recovery from surgeries performed during the offseason. • Secure your NBA League Pass TODAY > MILWAUKEE (AP) — Forward Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks made his 2024-25 season debut on Friday after sitting out the first 21 games while recuperating from offseason surgeries […]
Khris Middleton made his return on Friday after an extended period of recovery from surgeries performed during the offseason.
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MILWAUKEE (AP) — Forward Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks made his 2024-25 season debut on Friday after sitting out the first 21 games while recuperating from offseason surgeries on both ankles.
Middleton joined the game midway through the first quarter during the team’s 111-105 defeat to the reigning NBA champions Boston Celtics. Coach Doc Rivers mentioned that the three-time All-Star would be subject to a minutes restriction.
His performance included 11 points (2-10 FGs, 1-3 3PM), three rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal in 23 minutes of play.
During the 2022-23 season, Middleton participated in only 33 games and was limited to 55 games the previous season due to multiple injuries. A sprained medial collateral ligament kept him off the court for the Bucks’ last 10 playoff games in 2022.
“Coming back from this one, I wanted to ensure I was completely ready to return, to be as mentally fresh as I could to be in a good position because this season is long and demanding,” Middleton stated to reporters on Friday morning. “I am going to face numerous challenges throughout the season, I will get hit and banged up, but I need to maintain the mindset that I can persevere and keep pushing forward.”
Rivers had only the ninth opportunity to coach the All-Star trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Damian Lillard together since taking over as the Bucks’ head coach for the last 36 games of the previous season. This marked the 43rd time overall that the trio has played together.
“As a coach, having your key players available is crucial, and the more games they share, the better it is,” Rivers remarked. “Each opportunity they practice together or play together on the court, with him, Giannis, and Dame – it’s beneficial for our team’s development. That’s where we lag compared to other teams that have had their main players on the court together. It will come together; it will just require some time.”
Prior to the season, both Rivers and Bucks general manager Jon Horst had voiced confidence that Middleton’s recovery wouldn’t keep the 33-year-old sidelined for too long.
Rivers acknowledged the difficulty of reintegrating Middleton into the lineup so deep into the season. The Bucks began the season 2-8 but entered Friday having secured nine wins in the last 11 games, following a 113-107 loss to Boston on Nov. 10.
“It’s a challenge, no doubt,” Rivers said. “No matter what point we are in the season, but I definitely want him back. Whatever minute availability we have, we’re going to utilize them fully.”
When healthy, Middleton remains a significant contributor. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in the 2023-24 season. With Antetokounmpo absent during the Bucks’ first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers, Middleton stepped up, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over the six-game series.
