Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly getting closer to bringing back a key veteran to their lineup.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday's episode of NBA Today that Bucks forward Khris Middleton is on the verge of returning from his offseason ankle surgeries and the team is "hopeful that he's gonna be able to make his season debut at some point after Thanksgiving."

Reporting for NBA Today on a critical step for Bucks star Khris Middleton in debut process: pic.twitter.com/0OJyQxojaD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2024

Charania noted that Middleton achieved a "critical step" in his recovery by completing full five-on-five scrimmages with the Bucks on Monday for the first time since undergoing bilateral ankle surgeries. The 33-year-old is reportedly taking extra time to ensure that he's at his best when he returns to the court.

"From what I'm told, he has been already cleared medically to play, but for him it's about comfort, getting on the floor when he's fully right and feels that he's gonna be able to make an impact like we know Khris Middleton can when he is fully healthy," Charania said.

After a slow start to the season, the Bucks have won four straight games to improve to 8-9 entering Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat. Getting Middleton back could help Milwaukee get on the right track and reestablish itself as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

In 55 games last season, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He was a serviceable No. 3 option behind the star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who lead the team this year with averages of 32.4 and 25.2 points per game, respectively. No other player on the team averages over 15 points.

The Bucks will host the Washington Wizards on Saturday before visiting the Detroit Pistons next Tuesday, so the team would likely target one of those games for Middleton's return.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 129-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.

Milwaukee started the game off with a 10-0 run and led by as many as 25 points in the second half. The Pacers briefly cut the deficit to six points in the fourth quarter, but they weren't able to get any closer before suffering the defeat.

The Bucks ultimately secured the victory due to their star duo, as Antetokounmpo and Lillard both thrived against Indiana's defense.

Antetokounmpo recorded his second triple-double of the season, scoring 37 points and dishing out 11 assists while pulling down 10 rebounds. Lillard chipped in with 24 points and 12 assists of his own, shooting 8-20 from the field and connecting on three triples.

Don't leave this man open.

Dame goes back-to-back from deep! pic.twitter.com/3AWypP56gI

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 23, 2024

The pair showcased their chemistry on several occasions throughout the contest, leaving fans amazed.

GIANNIS UP TOP FROM DAME 🔥

He's got 25 as the Bucks lead in #EmiratesNBACup action on NBA League Pass 🏆

📲 https://t.co/EAMFcBpCnd pic.twitter.com/sIvs6MZzDR

— NBA (@NBA) November 23, 2024

Dame been really good at finding Giannis in transition

— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) November 23, 2024

Giannis and Dame chemistry has been great tonight

— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) November 23, 2024

dame throwing lobs to giannis like they kobe and shaq pic.twitter.com/GBcJkbjPrW

— ‘g (@LegacyGiannis) November 23, 2024

Dame/Giannis 2 man game is at an elite level last few games. League should absolutely be worried.

— Taylor (@na7ural_) November 23, 2024

The Giannis Dame PnR is so nice, especially when Giannis actually puts a body on the guy, I feel a lot of times he rolls too soon

— Khris Middleton is Good (@alexengel12) November 23, 2024

https://twitter.com/shammgod21/status/1860142851570696449

https://twitter.com/ExtinctKB/status/1860161001574007193

Dame and Giannis’s duo highlight tape is gonna be INSANE

— BucksShowYo🦌 (@BucksShowYo) November 23, 2024

Tyrese Haliburton hit just two of his seven shot attempts through the first two quarters, but he bounced back in the second half and ended the night with 18 points and nine assists on 6-14 shooting.

The game also featured NBA Cup implications, as both squads are in Group B among Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks improved to 2-0 in the NBA Cup standings and the Pacers fell to 0-2.

After opening the season with a 2-8 record, head coach Doc Rivers' team has now won five of its past six games.

The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be targeting Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig on the trade market.

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that the Bucks have "shown interest" in Craig as a piece to add to the team's wing and that Milwaukee is looking to move MarJon Beauchamp and Pat Connaughton to get a deal done.

"No team has shown interest in making a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks at this time," Siegel wrote. "MarJon Beauchamp ($2.7 million) and Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million) are the two players the Bucks have made available in trade discussions in order to try and add talent on the wing. Veteran forward Torrey Craig from the Chicago Bulls is a player Milwaukee has shown interest in, sources said. Rival teams would much rather discuss Bobby Portis if he was to become available before the trade deadline."

Craig has seen limited action this season, averaging five points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists in four games for Chicago. He is a seven-year veteran who has played with five franchises, including Milwaukee where he was on the 2020-21 NBA Championship team.

He has career averages of six points, four rebounds and 1.1 assists and would add to the team's depth. Milwaukee could use that depth, as the team is 6-9 despite strong play from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

He has a cap hit of just $2.8 million for 2024-25 and a player option for 2025-26 at $2.8 million. He would be a low-risk pickup who could help Milwaukee navigate a weak Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo added another off-the-court endeavor to his plate by launching a venture capital firm.

Build Your Legacy Ventures is a firm that "focuses on investments in sports and entertainment, driven by the Antetokounmpo family's dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship," according to a release announcing the launch on Thursday. The company also "represents a first-of-its-kind platform" that will connect industry leaders and entrepreneurs with innovative founders to promote growth and maximize opportunities.

"I'm incredibly energized to launch BYL Ventures as a way to give back and support the next generation of visionaries," Antetokounmpo, who was named founder and general partner of BYL Ventures, said in the release. "This fund is not just about capital; it's about forging partnerships and opening my network to accelerate the growth trajectory for companies. I want to help other entrepreneurs, especially those who have faced barriers, to grow and succeed. BYL Ventures will be focused on finding people with big dreams and helping them make those dreams a reality."

Life is just a beat, and I’m dancing to my own rhythm 🕺🏽🥁 pic.twitter.com/Oo5MNx0BLU

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) November 21, 2024

BYL Ventures has already begun distributing capital from its fund with two seed investments in Unrivaled, a new 3v3 professional women's basketball league, and Candy Funhouse, an influencer confectionary platform.

Antetokounmpo has expanded his efforts to make an impact beyond his incredible skills on the basketball court, and BYL Ventures is the latest addition. He also launched Improbable Media, a film production company, earlier this year. He's made investments in the Milwaukee Brewers, Nashville SC and LA Golf Club.

Antetokounmpo also continues to excel on the court, averaging a career-high 32.1 points this year for the 6-9 Bucks. He will be looking to lead the team to its third straight win on Friday against the Indiana Pacers (6-9).

The Milwaukee Bucks are starting to find a rhythm, and they have their biggest superstar to thank.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to a 122-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls in Wednesday's Eastern Conference matchup at Fiserv Forum. While the Bucks are still just 6-9 on the campaign, they have won four of their last five as they gradually put an abysmal start in the rearview mirror.

Giannis throws down the 🔨@chicagobulls 74@Bucks 81

Midway through the 3Q on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/R1oK8gf3mj

— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2024

Antetokounmpo was unstoppable in the third quarter and finished with 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists on 17-of-24 shooting from the field. Damian Lillard (20 points, 10 assists and five rebounds) and Brook Lopez (21 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals) also played well, but it was a one-man show for extended stretches.

As for the Bulls, they fell to 6-10 despite 27 points, six assists and five rebounds from Zach LaVine.

He impressed, but it was Antetokounmpo who stole the show and drew much of the reaction from social media:

Giannis is playing like a superhero right now. Sometimes like right now, I have to remember to not take this for granted. He’s literally unstoppable

— 🦌 (@SnellSZN) November 21, 2024

It’s not just want Giannis is doing but it’s how he’s doing it… just might be the most dominant offensive performance I’ve seen this season. Just straight tomato chest and Daddy ball in the paint. My God

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) November 21, 2024

Giannis in the 3Q:

25 PTS
11-13 FG

The highest scoring quarter by any player this season. pic.twitter.com/8dAL8kWHVm

— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 21, 2024

Torrey Craig trying to guard Giannis: pic.twitter.com/uBszUJl8x6

— raMEANa (@Ramina1690) November 21, 2024

Points in the paint through 3 quarters:

Giannis: 30
Bulls: 28

Ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/vQyDQ2ecAk

— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) November 21, 2024

GIANNIS HAS 25 POINTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND 38 POINTS OVERALL ON 16-20 SHOOTING! 🤯

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 21, 2024

2025 MVP folks we just need to get that record up

— GiannisMuse 💫🦌 (@GiannisMuse) November 21, 2024

Like a lot of teams, Bulls have no answer for GIannis.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 21, 2024

GIANNIS IS SO SPECIAL

— ☃️☃️ Fgorndy ☃️☃️ (@Fgorndy) November 21, 2024

giannis is such an underrated playmaker

— pedro (@bbnosanity) November 21, 2024

GIANNIS CREATING SO MUCH GRAVITY

— Trey Crosby III Guru (@TCIIIESQ) November 21, 2024

Giannis is the heart of this team

— Philip Lamela (@PhilipLamela1) November 21, 2024

One of these teams was supposed to be a potential championship contender, while the other has a play-in-tournament-caliber roster, yet the Bulls defeated the Bucks by double digits in the second game of the season.

It was emblematic of Milwaukee's early season struggles, although things have turned around lately during a stretch that included a Lillard game-winner against the Houston Rockets and Antetokounmpo dominating overtime in a win over the Detroit Pistons.

Wednesday was an opportunity to keep things rolling against an overmatched opponent, and the home team wasted little time setting the tone with a 16-0 run that carried from the first quarter into the second as it built a 12-point halftime lead.

Chicago remained within striking distance largely because of LaVine, but the Bucks' overall balance stood out in the first half. Lillard and Antetokounmpo both attacked the lane and facilitated, while Lopez dominated on the inside and the combination of AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. provided a spark off the bench with their outside shooting.

There was no balance in the third quarter.

GIANNIS CAN'T BE STOPPED 😤

25 PTS in the 3Q! https://t.co/GK6mY0g7zP pic.twitter.com/MRytVrFg7k

— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2024

The Bulls wouldn't go away and cut the deficit to a single point, but Antetokounmpo shifted into takeover mode when it was clear the visitors were a threat. The eight-time All-Star poured in 25 points in the third quarter alone as he hunted mismatches and consistently powered his way to the rim.

He was a singular, overwhelming force, and the Bulls had no answer even as they played well enough on offense to stay in the game.

There wasn't as much scoring in the fourth with Chicago focused on containing the future Hall of Famer, but he dished out critical assists on triples from Lillard and Lopez as Milwaukee finally pulled away from a pesky Bulls side.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will look to keep things rolling Friday when they host the Indiana Pacers.

It still remains to be seen when Milwaukee Bucks swingman Khris Middleton will make his 2024-25 debut even though he is reportedly medically cleared.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Middleton "has been medically cleared for a period of time but is still working to feel physically ready for his season debut from double ankle surgeries."

To say Milwaukee needs Middleton back on the floor is an understatement.

While the team has realistic championship aspirations with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the way, the 2024-25 season is off to a rocky start. The Bucks are just 5-9 heading into Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls, and that's with a 3-1 record in the last four games.

There was a time when they were an ugly 2-8.

Fortunately for the Bucks, Middleton is taking steps toward his eventual return even if he isn't quite ready to be back on the court. Charania noted the veteran "has increased his on-court activity and has consistently completed three-on-three play over the past several weeks."

Head coach Doc Rivers provided an update Wednesday when he said, "He's looked good. He's working his butt off. Listen, I think he's close. And he's just going to keep working. This is the best I've seen him, I will say that."

Rivers has gotten the opportunity to coach Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lillard together for just seven games since he took over his position in January.

Middleton played just 33 games in 2022-23 and 55 games last season while working through various physical setbacks. Durability has become something of an issue of late, but it isn't difficult to envision him thriving in a system with Antetokounmpo and Lillard drawing so much attention.

If nothing else, he can spot up on the wings and in the corner when the two primary stars work in pick-and-rolls and capitalize when defenders collapse on Antetokounmpo or extend well beyond the arc on Lillard.

That type of spacing could unlock more consistent play for the Bucks as they look to turn things around this season.

The end of the Milwaukee Bucks' 101-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday may have played out differently if the officials made the correct call on Giannis Antetokounmpo's clutch defensive play.

As Eric Nehm of The Athletic shared, the NBA's last-two minute report revealed Antetokounmpo caught the ball out of bounds after his late block on Alperen Şengün. Yet officials did not call him out of bounds, and Damian Lillard hit the game-winner on the ensuing Milwaukee possession.

After two Last 2-Minute Reports showing incorrect calls against the Bucks, the Bucks were the beneficiary of an "incorrect non-call" on today's Last 2-Minute Report (https://t.co/U34sUFxDFe)

The NBA says Giannis Antetokounmpo caught the ball out of bounds after his clutch block. pic.twitter.com/OHDTaOCnYh

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 19, 2024

It happened so quickly that the Rockets on the floor didn't even protest the non-call as they were getting back on defense. The broadcast also didn't mention anything at the moment.

Yet it set the stage for one of the most memorable sequences of the early season for a Bucks team that needs positive momentum following a slow start. The win improved Milwaukee's overall record to 5-9, although it is 3-1 in the last four as it starts to play at a higher level.

The block was one of three for Antetokounmpo, who also tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Lillard largely struggled with his shot at 6-of-18 from the field, but he had 10 assists and made the winning shot in crunch time.

Houston still had the opportunity to counter with its own winner in the final seconds, but it was unable to convert.

While the Rockets will surely be frustrated to learn the officials made the incorrect no-call during the end of their loss, they can at least take solace knowing the season is off to an ideal start.

They are 10-5 on the campaign and won five in a row prior to Monday's defeat. The combination of Jalen Green, Şengün and Fred VanVleet has played well, and there are seven Rockets in all who are averaging double-figure scoring totals in the early going.

That type of balanced attack should help Houston remain a threat in the Western Conference playoff picture even if it has to overcome adversity such as poor officiating down the stretch of a close game against a potential Eastern Conference contender.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has been fined $25,000 for his criticism of the referees following the Bucks' loss to the Hornets.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/2LEOFVLZsv

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 18, 2024

Following the 115-114 loss where a foul was called on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the closing seconds, resulting in game-winning free throws by LaMelo Ball, officials admitted that the call was not the right one.

Despite the reversed call after the game that came to-little to-late, Rivers expressed his disappointment to reporters.

"LaMelo Ball fell," Rivers said, per the Associated Press. "He just fell down. Nobody was near him. He slipped on his own. We come up with the ball and the game is over. So back-to-back games now we have had a call made against us that is incorrect. We were lucky in Detroit the kid missed two free throws. Tonight LaMelo Ball made the free throws."

Without a challenge left, Milwaukee had nothing left to do but look on hopelessly as Ball sunk both free-throws to secure the win.

Controversial foul calls are nothing new to the Bucks, who faced a similarly contentious situation last Wednesday in their 127-120 overtime win against the Detroit Pistons.

Antetokounmpo was once again called for a foul with one second left in the fourth quarter, sending Ron Holland to the line. Fortunately for the Bucks, Holland missed both free throws.

The foul call was later noted in the NBA's last-two-minute report, which deemed the call incorrect.

The Bucks hope to avoid another game decided by incorrect foul calls as they prepare to face the Houston Rockets on Monday.

Officials admitted to mistakenly calling a foul on Giannis Antetokounmpo that led to game-winning free throws from LaMelo Ball during the Charlotte Hornets' 115-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

During a pool report conducted by Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer after the game, referee Curtis Blair revealed that the call was incorrect.

"During live play we called illegal leg to leg to contact," Blair said. "During postgame review when we looked at the play there was no illegal contact on the play."

With seven seconds left and the Bucks leading by one point, Antetokounmpo was called for a foul on Ball that led to a pair of free throws (3:50 mark).

Milwaukee did not have any challenges remaining at the time.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers expressed his disappointment with the call after the loss.

"LaMelo Ball fell," Rivers said, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). "He just fell down. Nobody was near him. He slipped on his own. We come up with the ball and the game is over. So back-to-back games now we have had a call made against us that is incorrect. We were lucky in Detroit the kid missed two free throws. Tonight LaMelo Ball made the free throws."

Rivers referenced Milwaukee's 127-120 overtime win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

With the score tied at 111 and one second remaining in the fourth quarter, Antetokounmpo was called for a foul on Pistons rookie Ron Holland during a lob attempt. Holland ended up missing both free throws, sending the contest to overtime (6:30 mark).

After the game, the NBA's last-two-minute report showed that the foul call was incorrect.

Antetokounmpo nearly led the Bucks to a victory over the Hornets on Saturday, recording his first triple-double of the season. He scored 22 points and pulled down 15 rebounds while dishing out 12 assists, shooting 11-22 from the field.

As for Ball, he overcame a poor shooting performance to help the Hornets snap a brief two-game losing streak. He finished with 26 points and six assists, hitting all 11 of his free throws despite connecting on just seven of his 20 shots from the floor.

It's been a slow start to the 2024-25 season for Milwaukee, falling to 4-9 with the loss to Charlotte. The Hornets improved to 5-7.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was the subject of a hard flagrant-2 foul by Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart during Wednesday night's game, but he kept a level head when discussing the incident.

"I've been in that position many times in my life," Antetokounmpo said after the game, per ESPN. "I have two older brothers that pushed me on the floor, were tough on me. It doesn't really faze me anymore. All I could think about was, 'Get up and make two free throws.' At the same time it's a dangerous play. It's not a basketball play."

Stewart was ejected for the remainder of the game after he pulled Antetokounmpo to the ground by his jersey during the third quarter. His frustration likely stemmed from the two-time NBA MVP's thorough dominance of the Pistons.

Antetokounmpo scored a season-high 59 points on 21-of-34 shooting while adding 14 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals to help lead Milwaukee to a 127-120 overtime victory over Detroit. The Bucks were without star point guard Damian Lillard and veteran forward Khris Middleton, and the 29-year-old completely put the team on his back to earn the win.

This marked the first time this season that Milwaukee (4-8) won back-to-back games. It can be expected that Antetokounmpo and company will be motivated to make it three in a row when they visit the Charlotte Hornets (4-7) on Saturday.