Milwaukee Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Optimistic About Khris Middleton's Return Following Loss To Atlanta Hawks

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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers is eager for Khris Middleton's return from injury, especially after the team's recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks had managed a seven-game winning streak, but it ended with a 119-104 defeat at Fiserv Forum. Rivers attributed the loss to fatigue, noting his players appeared "dead-legged" during the game.

The absence of veteran forward Middleton has been felt as he recovers from surgery on both ankles. He has missed the last 21 games but participated in practice drills before Wednesday's match. Rivers expressed hope for Middleton's return, acknowledging the player's frustration at being sidelined.

Middleton, 33, is keen to rejoin his teammates on the court. Rivers commented on how mentally challenging it is for players like Middleton who are eager to contribute but are held back by injuries. "Anybody who wants to play, and Khris is one of those guys, they're frustrated," Rivers said.

The Bucks' recent performance showed signs of exhaustion as Atlanta's bench outperformed Milwaukee's by scoring 50 points compared to their 31. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while DeAndre Hunter added 20 points. Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic also contributed significantly.

Rivers noted that the team did not execute plays well against Atlanta. "I thought we were dead-legged most of the game," he told The Athletic. He highlighted late passes and poor decision-making as indicators of fatigue affecting their performance.

Despite these challenges, Rivers remains optimistic about Middleton's return. He acknowledged that while the team is performing well now, having Middleton back would be a significant boost. "If it felt right, he'd be playing, obviously," Rivers stated.

Middleton continues to work hard in his recovery process, following all necessary steps to ensure a safe return. Rivers emphasized that although there is no definite timeline for Middleton's comeback, they are hopeful it will be soon.

The Bucks aim to bounce back from their recent defeat and continue their strong performance in upcoming games. With Middleton's anticipated return, they hope to regain momentum and strengthen their position in the league.