'Dead-legged' Bucks hopeful on Middleton return as winning streak snapped

The Bucks had responded to a dire start to the season by stringing together a run of seven straight victories, but that streak came crashing to a halt as they lost 119-104 at Fiserv Forum.

In a fine all-round showing from Atlanta, Jalen Johnson had 23 points and 13 rebounds while De’Andre Hunter scored 20 points, Trae Young had 17 and Bogdan Bogdanovic 15.

The exertions of Milwaukee's recent run showed as Atlanta's bench outscored that of their hosts by 50 points to 31, leaving Rivers to blame the result on tiredness.

"I thought we were dead-legged most of the game. We didn't think well, which is a direct sign of fatigue," Rivers told The Athletic.

"We didn't execute very well. Our passes were really late."

Back at it Friday. pic.twitter.com/Tc3psMA1Cz

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 5, 2024

The Bucks have been without veteran forward Middleton for their last 21 games, with the 33-year-old recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles.

Middleton took part in practice drills ahead of Wednesday's game but was again held back, and Rivers says he is now desperate to get out on the court.

"Anybody who wants to play, and Khris is one of those guys, they're frustrated," Rivers said. "That's mentally challenging.

"You see your team playing and although we're playing well right now, I imagine when we were really struggling and he wasn't playing that had to be really hard for him.

"You want to help your team, and he knows he can.

"If it felt right, he'd be playing, obviously. There's no answer. He's working his butt off and doing all the stuff he's supposed to do.