Khris Middleton’s strong message amid injury-riddled season

THE Milwaukee Bucks currently find themselves 41-22 on the season, good enough for the second best record in the Eastern Conference. Once again, the Bucks are proving to be title contenders, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the way. But Khris MiddletonThe absence of has been a glaring weakness for this team all year, as the three-time All-Star has been dealing with serious injuries. limited due to injuries.

At this point in the season, Middleton has only played in 43 total games. Since the very beginning of the year, the 32-year-old has been facing a minutes restriction due to various illnesses. Currently dealing with a sprained ankle, Middleton has not played for the Bucks since February 6.

Even though he hasn’t been available the past two seasons, Middleton and the Bucks remain confident he will be back strong this season. When that will happen is the key question everyone wants answered.

Middleton speaks out on injuries

When the Bucks won their championship in 2021, Middleton had become one of the best two-way wings in the entire league. Since then, his production has declined due to numerous injuries. Over the past month, Middleton has been recovering from a sprained left ankle that he didn’t think It was too serious at first.

“After that happened, I tried to play it, let it go a little bit, to see if it would relax or whatever. I just didn’t do it,” Middleton said recently, via Jim Owczarski from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I didn’t feel comfortable. I went to the back, tried to get re-taped, and as soon as I took my shoe off, it exploded. J So I had to close it.

That injury occurred when Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant was flagrantly fouled for entering Middleton’s lane space on a jump shot. When Middleton landed, he rolled his ankle and was forced to leave the game.

As for when Middleton might return, there’s still no clear timetable. The head coach Doc Rivers said several times over the past week, the star is doing better and would be playing if it were the playoffs right now. Middleton has remained confident about his return this season, and his only goal is to get back on the court for his teammates.

“I want to go back there. I need to play,” Middleton continued. “I’ve been on a one-minute restriction most of the year, so at this stage I just need to be on the pitch. So I fight every day I can.

Over a total of 43 games this season, Middleton averaged 14.8 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the floor. Still known for his elite level of play on both ends of the court, Middleton hopes his return gives the Bucks exactly what they need to launch another deep postseason run.