Middleton’s Emotional Return to Milwaukee: Ovation and Reunion with Giannis

Since the NBA regular season schedule was announced in August, Khris Middleton has been looking forward to Wednesday night’s opening game. After 12 seasons and 735 games with the Bucks, including the 2021 NBA championship, Middleton played his first away game in Milwaukee, this time as a member of the Wizards, in a 133-120 Washington loss. The fans, with the Fiserv Forum sold out, dedicated several standing ovations to Middleton throughout the night. The first came when his name was announced in the pre-game introductions. Another occurred when a tribute video was shown on the scoreboard during a timeout in the first quarter. The last took place when Middleton left the game with 23 points, his best performance, although he couldn’t spoil the night for the home fans.

It was almost a perfect night, if we had won. But receiving that kind of recognition and appreciation from the city and the organization meant a lot to me.

Khris Middleton

Middleton stated that he kept his emotions under control, but saw his friends and family get emotional about the way he was received.

It means a lot to me that everyone feels part of this. Everyone felt like they were back home.

Khris Middleton

The Bucks traded Middleton to the Wizards before the trade deadline in February, as part of a multiple-player trade that brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee. On his return Wednesday night, Middleton was greeted by the team mascot and band as he entered the stadium before the game, and several team staff members stopped to greet him and take photos. The video tribute during the game lasted more than a minute, and Middleton came out onto the court to greet the fans.

Getting a standing ovation on the road doesn’t happen often. So I wanted to make sure they knew I recognized them. Even though I don’t really talk much or do much, that meant a lot to me. That’s every player’s dream, to get a standing ovation no matter where you are.

Khris Middleton

What was an emotional night for Middleton was also described as “strange” by his long-time teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both faced each other several times during the game, a reminder of the 12 years they spent doing it in training.

Even when we became All-Stars and champions, during the summer, we played our one-on-one duels. We talked a lot. Everything is competitive. We both want to win, we both want the best from each other.

Khris Middleton

In the second quarter, Middleton outplayed Antetokounmpo, positioning himself under the basket to force an offensive foul.

I saw his eyes light up when he saw me under the hoop. So I knew he was either going to foul me, or take me out. I’ve taken worse hits than that. That was soft.

Khris Middleton

Before the February trade, Antetokounmpo had never played an NBA game without Middleton as a teammate.

Obviously, he had a great game, he can still play. He’s still a great threat when he’s on the court. He always plays well. He makes good decisions, improves his teammates on defense. He will always be in the right position and, sometimes, will put his body on the line, forcing an offensive foul. He always plays smart.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Although it was Middleton’s first time playing as a visitor in Milwaukee since the trade, Antetokounmpo pointed out that this was their third encounter, including a matchup in D.C. a few weeks after the agreement and the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

I won. Two to one, I’m winning.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Although the Bucks won on Wednesday, they lost point guard Kevin Porter Jr. in the first quarter due to a left ankle sprain after stepping on teammate Bobby Portis’ foot. Porter had scored 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting before the injury.

It is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

It didn’t look good. I’ll just say that. You hope for the best, but, seeing it, it was a pretty bad sprain.

Doc Rivers, Bucks coach