Doc Rivers was the most relieved man in the Eastern Conference. This is because the Milwaukee Bucks beat the odds to salvage their season in the 115-92 win against the Indiana Pacers. Instrumental to the hard-fought win was three-time NBA All-Star Khris Middleton who came up with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists.
Speaking at the end of the game during the post-game press conference, Coach Doc Rivers expressed his appreciation for the shooting guard and his role in keeping their season alive.
He’s been amazing, both ends too. But he has the ability to score. He knows how to play-make as well, he really in a lot of ways even though one of them would come off, he was setting up everyone tonight. So, Khris was on both ends. Played a lot of minutes… He gave us everything tonight. Coach Doc Rivers during the press conference
Khris Middleton came through for the Bucks who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard . Both were out due to injuries in the process becoming the first team in NBA history to win a playoff game while missing their top two scorers from the regular season. Middleton and Bobby Portis both led the player statistics chart with 29 points each.
Although the Pacers still lead the series 3-2, Khris’ brilliance may have given the Bucks the chance to extend the series and potentially give star duo Antetokounmpo and Lillard a chance to feature in the next encounter. According to Coach Rivers, both players are expected to try out on the court during the off day.
Khris Middleton keeps hope alive for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks knew what needed to be done to have a chance of salvaging their season. The Greek Freak and Dame Time were major absentees. The Bucks needed to come up with enough points to make up for the loss of their top two scorers and defend smartly to keep the Pacers at Bay.
Fortunately, that’s exactly what happened, the Bucks defended well, as they restricted Tyrese Haliburton to just 16 points, four rebounds, and six assists while having five of their players on double digits. In the process forcing a crucial Game 6 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Now, there is a high chance that both absent star duos might make it for game 6. If that’s so, the 2021 NBA champions have a better chance of making it through to the Eastern Conference semi-final. Additionally, with Middleton holding his own, the light at the end of the tunnel seems brighter.
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