News Summary

Khris Middleton was warmly welcomed back to Milwaukee during his first game as a visitor with the Washington Wizards. The Fiserv Forum crowd honored him with standing ovations, celebrating his 12 seasons with the Bucks. Middleton expressed gratitude for the heartfelt tribute and highlighted his enduring connection with the franchise, despite the emotional challenge of playing against former teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo. The game ended with the Bucks defeating the Wizards 133-120, but it was Middleton’s presence and legacy that took center stage.

Milwaukee

Khris Middleton received a heartfelt welcome in Milwaukee during his first game as a visitor after spending 12 seasons and 735 games with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Washington Wizards faced the Bucks, ultimately falling 133-120, but the night was defined by the warm reception Middleton received from the crowd at Fiserv Forum.

The sold-out arena erupted in standing ovations for Middleton, with the first occurring during pregame introductions when his name was announced. Fans showed their appreciation a second time when a tribute video showcasing Middleton’s greatest moments with the Bucks played during a first-quarter timeout. The final standing ovation came as Middleton exited the game after leading his team with 23 points.

Middleton expressed that the recognition made him feel cherished, noting that receiving such applause as a visiting player is a rarity. His trade to the Wizards prior to the February deadline, which facilitated the arrival of Kyle Kuzma in Milwaukee, marked a major transition in his career. Upon arrival at the arena for the game, Middleton was welcomed by the team mascot, the band, and numerous staff members, a gesture highlighting his lasting connection with the franchise.

The tribute video lasted over a minute and celebrated Middleton’s significant contributions to the Bucks, a franchise he was integral to during its transformation from struggling years to the pinnacle of NBA success, exemplified by their championship win in 2021. In terms of individual records, Middleton ranks second in games played (735), third in points (12,586), seventh in rebounds (3,598), third in assists (2,990), fifth in steals (870), and first in 3-pointers (1,382) on the Bucks’ all-time leaderboard.

Middleton shared that the night was emotional and “weird,” especially competing against his former teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two had built a friendly rivalry during their time together, and on the court, they engaged in their competitive one-on-one battles. In a notable moment during the game, Middleton took a charge from Antetokounmpo, adding a lighthearted touch to their match-up. After the game, Antetokounmpo praised Middleton for his solid performance, acknowledging that he continues to pose a significant threat on the court.

This game marked the third encounter between Middleton and Antetokounmpo since the trade, with Antetokounmpo enjoying a 2-1 lead in their personal match-up. Despite the Bucks’ success in the game, they were dealt a blow when point guard Kevin Porter Jr. sustained a sprained left ankle after stepping on teammate Bobby Portis’ foot. The team is scheduled for an MRI the following day, as Coach Doc Rivers expressed concern about Porter’s injury prognosis.

Adding to the emotional atmosphere of the night, Middleton’s family and fans were visibly moved by his presence, reinforcing his deep bond with the Milwaukee community. He remarked on the significance of seeing fans donning his jersey, sharing a hope that one day his jersey number 22 would be retired by the franchise, solidifying his legacy within the team.

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Additional Resources

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• The New York Times
• ESPN
• Topix: Milwaukee Bucks
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Khris Middleton

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.