Khris Middleton Reflects on 1st Game vs. Giannis, Bucks Since Trade After Wizards Loss
Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton may not have gotten a win against his former Milwaukee Bucks team in Wednesday's season opener, but he received a warm welcome from his longtime fans at Fiserv Forum.
Per ESPN's Jamal Collier, Middleton received several standing ovations from the sold-out crowd throughout the game, which was his first time facing the Bucks since being traded to the Wizards at last season's trade deadline.
"It was almost a perfect night, if I would've got the win," Middleton said after scoring a team-high 23 points in a 133-120 loss. "But to get that type of recognition, appreciation from the city, the organization, that meant the world to me."
Middleton spent 12 seasons in Milwaukee and developed into a thee-time All-Star as well as a key part of the team's 2021 NBA championship win. The Bucks didn't hold back their celebration of his return, as Collier noted that he was greeted by the team mascot and band when he arrived to the arena before the game, and he spent time with several team staffers. The team also played a video tribute for him during the game, and he acknowledged the crowd during the intermission.
"To get a standing ovation on the road doesn't happen often," Middleton said. "So I wanted to make sure that they knew I acknowledge them. Even though I really don't speak too much or do too much, but that really meant a lot. That's every player's dream to get a standing ovation no matter where they're at."
Middleton's longtime teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo described facing him as "weird" but had nothing but good things to say about him.
"Obviously, he had a great game, he still can hoop," Antetokounmpo said after pouring in 37 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in the win. "He's still a big threat when he's out there on the court. He always plays that right way. Makes a good decision, makes his teammates better defensively. He's always going to be in the right position and sometimes going to put his body with the line, take a charge. He's always playing smart."
Middelton added that he was able to keep his emotions in check, but he appreciated how his friends and family members got emotional over how he was received by the crowd.
"That means a lot to me that they all feel a part of this," he said. "They all felt like they were back at home."
