By Tyler Keller, Director of Basketball Personnel
Jun 11, 2021



Heading back home down 2-0 in the series, Milwaukee was faced with a must-win Game 3, and they did just that. It was very low scoring, and the Bucks took a commanding early lead, but blew it shortly after. In the end, they were able to hang on due to a clutch go-ahead layup from Jrue Holiday with 11.4 seconds left. 

Khris Middleton finally made his mark on the series, recording a game-high 35 points and 15 rebounds. Giannis added 33 and 14. These two combined for a whopping 79% of the team’s points, a NBA playoff record. Brooklyn was without Harden, and the lack of playmaking hurt them.

  • Khris Middleton recorded more PTS in Game 3 (35) than both Games 1 & 2 combined (30)
  • Middleton/Antetokounmpo combined to score the highest % (79%) of any team’s PTS by any duo in NBA playoff history
  • 1st duo to combine for 68 PTS & 29 REB in a playoff game since Shaq and Kobe (70 PTS/29 REB) in 2001
  • Giannis had 43 MIN on Thursday night, the most in 1 non-OT GP under Mike Budenholzer
  • Middleton’s Game 3 3P% of 50% (3-6) was 2x what it was in Games 1-2 (23%; 3-13)
 
Odds vs. BKN: MIL -160 (Spread -3.5)
MIL Stock Price: $9.48 (via FANDEX)

MILWAUKEE BUCKS WILL GO AS FAR AS MIDDLETON (NOT GIANNIS) WILL TAKE THEM

COLORS KEY | FULL BUCKS OUTLOOK 

After an awful start to the series, Khris Middleton finally made his presence felt in Game 3. He scored more points on Thursday night than he had in both Games 1 and 2 combined, and shot the ball better from deep and the field in general. Milwaukee won their first game of the series once Middleton performed well, but lost both games in which he performed below his typical standards. This shows that there is a strong correlation between Middleton’s level of play and the Bucks winning. As important as Giannis is, Middleton is the true x-factor that will decide how far MIL can go in these playoffs. 

  • Middleton and Antetokounmpo combine for 68 points

 

  • Full Nets-Bucks game highlights

 

 

 

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