Khris Middleton Delivers Clutch Performance Against Former Team
The emotional toll of being traded after over a decade with one franchise is not something that can be easily erased with a single victory. However, for Khris Middleton, the former Milwaukee Bucks star turned Washington Wizards forward, a recent win against his old team offers a bittersweet sense of satisfaction.
Middleton Shines in Key Moments
On Monday night, Middleton put together a stellar performance, guiding the Wizards to a thrilling 129-126 victory over the Bucks. He contributed 15 points, four rebounds, and six assists, but it was his clutch play in the final moments that truly made the difference. With back-to-back buckets in the last 90 seconds of the game, Middleton helped secure the lead for the Wizards, capping off a night that clearly resonated deeply for him.
Reflections on a Painful Trade
Middleton’s journey to this moment has been a tumultuous one. He was traded mid-season during the 2024-25 campaign, a move that sent him to Washington in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. Reflecting on his departure from Milwaukee, Middleton opened up about the emotional weight of being traded, especially after spending years developing into a three-time All-Star and an NBA champion with the Bucks.
“When you get traded, it’s a huge confidence killer, especially if you’re not in control of it,” Middleton shared. “You have to kinda talk yourself back up. They don’t want you anymore.” The reality of his health struggles, which plagued his performance in recent seasons, added to the anxiety of seeing his time in Milwaukee potentially coming to an end. “You can see the writing on the wall,” he admitted. “I have to be real with myself. I wasn’t as healthy as I wanted to be… missed a lot of games when they needed me to be out there.”
Navigating Relationships Post-Trade
The trade’s sting was intensified by reports that Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo reached out to Kuzma before the deal was finalized. However, Middleton expressed a mature understanding of the situation, recognizing Giannis’s role as the franchise cornerstone. “As far as Giannis calling him, I mean, he’s the franchise guy over there,” Middleton explained. “He has to get a feel for a guy that he’s gonna play next to… that they’re gonna trade me for. I would do the same thing. We have a way stronger, deeper relationship for me to be petty over something like that.”
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
As the Wizards and Bucks prepare for their next matchup on January 29, the Bucks will be eager to turn around their recent struggles, having lost eight of their last nine games, including the defeat against Middleton and his 3-16 Wizards. The upcoming game will give Middleton another opportunity to face his former team, a chance for redemption and continued growth after a painful transition.
