
Put away the brooms and the speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future. Milwaukee's season isn't over just yet.
The Bucks can thank Khris Middleton for that. He was superb Sunday, scoring nine of Milwaukee's 11 points in overtime to seal a 118-115 win over the Miami Heat.
Antetokounmpo was arguably the bigger story, however, as he was forced to leave the game in the first half after re-aggravating a right ankle sprain. It looked like Milwaukee was facing a sweep in his absence, but Middleton and the Bucks scrapped and fought and clawed their way to an improbable win.
Khris Wobbleton @WorldWideWobGiannis waiting for the team as they return to the locker room. hell yes. https://t.co/hxVy96KgzW
The Greek Freak was playing well before the injury, with 19 points (8-of-10 from the field), four rebounds and a block in 11 minutes. The question will be whether he's able to return in the series, with his ankle a storyline in each of the last two games.
The Bucks face a huge mountain, still down 3-1. But they've got a shot.
Key Stats
Bam Adebayo, MIA: 26 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists
Khris Middleton, MIL: 36 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals
Jimmy Butler, MIA: 17 points, five rebounds
Eric Bledsoe, MIL: 14 points, 10 rebounds, six assists
Duncan Robinson, MIA: 20 points
Brook Lopez, MIL: 14 points, five boards
Khris Middleton Saved Milwaukee's Season
All appeared to be lost. Down 3-0 in the series, Milwaukee also lost Antetokounmpo. How could the Bucks, already beaten three times, pull out a win without their transcendent superstar?
Khris Middleton, that's how.
Facing elimination, Middleton was superb, taking on the scoring load and staving off elimination for at least a couple more days.
NBA @NBAMiddleton GOES OFF for 2⃣1⃣ in the 3rd. #NBAPlayoffs #NBAonABC https://t.co/OD5oFeYGsr
NBA on TNT @NBAonTNTKHRIS MIDDLETON WITH ICE IN HIS VEINS! 🥶 https://t.co/qfwD9FToSn
Kevin O'Connor @KevinOConnorNBAKhris Middleton needs to get 20+ shots every game the rest of the series. What happened in Games 2 and 3 with 15 and 16 shots can’t happen. Middleton is the best shot-creator the Bucks have. If Giannis plays Game 5, they can’t stray from him. Run P&R with Giannis as the screener.
Chris Herring @Herring_NBAMiddleton, with sub-32 temperatures running thru his body
All of the talk will surround Giannis' injury, and for good reason. If he can't return, the Bucks surely won't beat Miami three more times. Even with him, they probably can't pull off the reverse sweep.
But Middleton gave them a chance. That's all Milwaukee could ask for at this point.
The Bench Let Down Bam Adebayo and Miami's Starters
The NBA playoffs often become epic battles between superstars, but Miami bucked that trend Sunday, with all five starters scoring 17 or more points. That Jimmy Butler was tied for the fewest points in that group was indicative of just how balanced Miami played.
Adebayo was the main man, continuing his impressive ascent into stardom. He played excellent defense, provided a spark offensively and dominated on the boards. He's become a true difference-maker.
NBA @NBA8 quick for Bam! @MiamiHEAT 22 @Bucks 13 📺: ABC https://t.co/iGC7YnhhQM
NBA @NBADragic gets downhill and finds Bam on ABC! https://t.co/p6PiVhZm51
Adebayo justifiably earned praise for his efforts:
Nate Jones @JonesOnTheNBABam is really like having a playmaking wing playing center. That’s tough to defend
MarkJonesESPN @MarkJonesESPNBam guards 1 through 5 too💪🏽
Nate Jones @JonesOnTheNBAThat Bam floater is more valuable and more feasible than any jumper Giannis can develop. Giannis should focus on developing that.
But the Heat bench—normally a strength—let them down. Tyler Herro provided 11 points, but the rest of the bench scored just six points. Miami should close out this series, but it'll need more from players like Kendrick Nunn, Andre Iguodala and Kelly Olynyk.
What's Next?
Game 5 will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
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