Khris Middleton was crucial in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2021 championship run. He stepped up as the primary offensive force alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, his journey of growth has plateaued in recent years. Despite earning All-Star nods in 2019, 2020, and 2022, Middleton struggled to respond effectively when the Bucks faced off against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat last season. With Giannis sidelined due to injury, Middleton and the Bucks fell victim to Butler’s dazzling performance.

Jimmy Butler lit up the entire series against the Bucks. Heat’s dominance was both astonishing and brilliantly executed. Despite the Heat’s prowess, many questioned the Bucks’ failure to demonstrate championship-level performance, particularly their reluctance to double-team Butler.

Middleton reveals why Bucks didn’t double-team Jimmy Butler

In a recent episode of?The Old Man & the Three, JJ Redick sat with Khris Middleton to talk basketball. Redick posed a question that resonates with every basketball enthusiast, inquiring about the experience of facing an opponent who’s performing exceptionally well during a playoff series.“What’s it like when you’re in a playoffs series and another player on the opposing team is playing out of his mind?”, JJ asked.

Khris acknowledged the hardships that come with it, especially when the opposing player isn’t double-teamed. To justify the Bucks’ plan for Butler, Khris explained,?“That wasn’t the gameplan.”?He added,?“We wanted to go with Jrue because we have a lot of trust in Jrue.”

Jrue Holiday‘s reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders was pivotal in the Bucks’ championship victory. In addition to Middleton’s contributions, Holiday’s defensive heroics were instrumental in the Bucks’ success.

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Therefore, it was only natural for the Bucks to assign Holiday the task of guarding the opposing team’s top player.

Middleton re-signed with the Bucks in a $102 million contract?

Khris Middleton opted out of his final year with the Bucks before the organization lured him for the next 3 years with 102$ million contract. After being an unrestricted free agent, Middleton signed again with Milwaukee. Middleton has been an integral part of Bucks’ history. However, his recent season is coming off of injuries. As a result, the shooter was limited to less than 50% of the games last season. He averaged nearly 15 points, his lowest since the 2016-17 season.

However, Middleton elevated his game when it came to the playoffs against the Heat. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury provided Middleton with extra offensive load and potential. He posted impressive numbers, averaging 23.8 points on 46.5% shooting. He also made 40.6% of his shots from beyond the arc.

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The Bucks feel there is still plenty left for Middleton. They think Khris is still an all-star caliber player ahead of the injuries.??