The Milwaukee Bucks’ 16-point triumph against the San Antonio Spurs yesterday was their second consecutive win after making a noticeable change in the starting lineup. In the last two games, Khris Middleton has come off the bench for the Bucks. After the Spurs game, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave a valid reason for the shuffle in the combination.
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Middleton’s exclusion from the starting lineup had raised some questions. Giannis stated that it doesn’t matter who has to come off the bench while explaining the need to do things that are important for the team’s success
“Maybe not on purpose when we are all 3 [Damian Lillard, Giannis, and Middleton] in the starting lineup we hold the ball too much, it doesn’t matter who comes off the bench…what matters is who finishes the game,” said the two-time MVP.
Antetokounmpo felt that Middleton’s usage rate of 25.4% is not producing the right results. Especially with two ball-dominant stars like Dame and him on the court.
Giannis on Khris coming off the bench: “Maybe not on purpose when we are all 3 in the starting lineup we hold the ball too much, it doesn’t matter who comes off the bench.. what matters is who finishes the game, no matter if he starts or not he’s definitely going to finish the… pic.twitter.com/9vUOzxCXET
— 🦌💫 (@GiannisWorld) January 9, 2025
Against the Spurs, Middleton came off the bench, played 21 minutes and had eight points, five rebounds, and three assists. Giannis praised his teammate for being a brilliant player on both ends of the floor, adding that Middleton is a high IQ player who can “make shots and good plays, [and] can defend”.
So far this season, Middleton has played 13 games, averaging 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 43.8% shooting from the field.
He had a late start this campaign as he was recovering from arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. Khris made his season debut on December 6 against the Boston Celtics. The Bucks had buckled up when Middleton was sidelined.
The Bucks have developed a strong bench in Middleton’s absence
The Bucks’ starting lineup has remained intact throughout the season. Giannis, Lillard, Brook Lopez, Taurean Prince, and Andre Jackson Jr. have led the charge.
Jackson Jr. has been one of the major revelations for the Bucks this season. He has proven to be crucial in vertical spacing and lengthy defense. The 23-year-old was a late second-round pick for the Bucks in the 2023 Draft.
AJ Green, a 6’4″ shooting guard, has been another major surprise this season with his perimeter defense and spacing abilities. After being with the Bucks for two years, he is now getting playing time every game and is making it count.
Gary Trent Jr., who joined the Bucks in July 2024 on a one-year deal, is also adding strength to the Bucks bench. In 33 games, he has averaged 9.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Trent Jr. is also very effective on the defensive end, averaging 2.1 defensive rebounds per game.
It is evident that the Bucks have the depth in their roster to try different combinations to ensure success. And like Giannis explained, it doesn’t matter if a player starts from the bench. Their contributions matter. And Middleton is back, and is adding to the production too.
