Just a week ago, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers was talking about Khris Middleton’s minutes crisis, but during the win over the Indiana Pacers, the mid-major expert insisted he was all-in.
Middleton has played just 10 games so far after recovering from bilateral ankle surgery that kept him out of the season.
He played nearly 31 minutes against the Pacers and finished with 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
Head coach Doc Rivers said it was just because three-time All-Star insistence. He was supposed to be taken off the floor in the fourth quarter, even though the Bucks were still catching up to him.
He told me… I won’t swear at anything [about] today’s minutes “I’ll be back”
“It was great, even though he said so. I asked, “Are you sure?” He said, “Yes, yes, I don’t care about the minutes anymore tonight.” That’s good. I put him down. This shows how competitive he is.
It was a great decision because Middleton was there to challenge and seal the victory.
He kept the Pacers defense in check, allowing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to make their plays, with both making key shots in the final two minutes.
Khris Middleton hates the Pacers
The 33-year-old veteran didn’t say anything, but Bucks fans quickly concluded he only wanted to be on the floor because he also hates the Pacers.
The Bucks and Pacers have a growing rivalry last season. One was when Giannis didn’t get the ball when he scored his career-high 64 points against them. Lillard was there too ridiculed by Tyrese Haliburton stealing his “Dame Time” celebration.
The Pacers also eliminated Milwaukee last year in the NBA Cup and then in the first round of the playoffs.
Middleton was the only player to leave the team in the last few games after both Antetokounmpo and Lillard suffered injuries.
“Khris actually said ‘it’s personal’ 😭 I love him,” one user said.
“Khris hates the Pacers too 👏🏻,” said another.
Khris hates the Pacers too 👏🏻 https://t.co/qm8JqwdmCm
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) January 1, 2025
How Khris played 30 minutes today for the first time this season. The doctor said Khris told him, “Fuck these minutes it takes me to come back.”
If anyone is wondering what the Bucks think of the Pacers, let’s just say that the competition in the NBA is alive and well
— Alex Sage (@sage_alex) January 1, 2025
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