UPDATE: In an emotional return to Milwaukee, Khris Middleton received a heartfelt standing ovation during the Washington Wizards’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 25, 2023. This marks Middleton’s first appearance in Milwaukee as a visitor after a storied 12-season career with the Bucks, which included winning the 2021 NBA championship.
The sold-out crowd at Fiserv Forum celebrated Middleton throughout the night, giving him multiple standing ovations, including one during pregame introductions and another after a touching tribute video played in the first quarter. Middleton, who scored a team-high 23 points, expressed his gratitude, stating, “To get that type of recognition from the city, the organization, I mean that meant the world to me.”
Middleton was traded to the Wizards in February as part of a multiplayer deal that brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee. His return was filled with warm greetings from fans and former teammates, with the team mascot and band welcoming him back into the arena. The emotional tribute video lasted over a minute, underscoring the impact he had on the franchise.
“That’s every player’s dream to get a standing ovation no matter where they’re at,” Middleton added.
In a twist of nostalgia, Middleton faced off against his longtime teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo, in a game that echoed their years together. Antetokounmpo, who scored 37 points in the game, called it “weird” to play against Middleton, noting, “Even when we became All-Stars and champions, we talked a lot. It’s all just competitive.”
During the game, Middleton even managed to draw a charge against Antetokounmpo, recalling with a smile, “I saw his eyes light up when he saw me under the rim.” The two had a back-and-forth throughout the game, reminiscent of their past practices and competitive spirit.
Despite Middleton’s strong performance, the Wizards fell short, losing 133-120 to the Bucks. The game also brought concern for Milwaukee, as point guard Kevin Porter Jr. sustained a sprained left ankle in the first quarter after stepping on teammate Bobby Portis’ foot. He is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday, and Bucks coach Doc Rivers commented, “It didn’t look good. Got to hope for the best, but looking at it, it was a pretty bad sprain.”
This emotional return for Middleton has left fans and players alike reminiscing about the impact he made in Milwaukee, as he continues to forge a new path with the Wizards.
As the NBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Middleton as he adjusts to his new team, while Bucks fans will undoubtedly remember the legacy he left behind.
