Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton was greeted with multiple standing ovations in his first game back in Milwaukee since being traded by the Bucks, calling the recognition from fans and the organization something that ‘meant the world’ to him during an emotional NBA season opener.
The sold-out crowd at Fiserv Forum rose to its feet several times throughout the night, starting with pregame introductions, continuing during a minute-long video tribute in the first quarter, and culminating when Middleton checked out of the game after scoring 23 points. Middleton acknowledged each ovation with gestures of appreciation, including raising his arms and placing a hand over his heart, visibly moved by the sustained applause from the very fans who cheered him for 12 seasons.
In postgame comments, Middleton revealed he had been anticipating this moment since the schedule release, describing the reception as exceeding all expectations. ‘To get that type of recognition and appreciation from the city, the organization, I mean that meant the world to me,’ he said, noting that such road ovations are rare and represent every player’s dream. He added that while he remained composed, some family members and friends were brought to tears, highlighting the deep personal significance of the homecoming.
Middleton’s legacy with the Bucks is formidable; he ranks as the franchise’s third-leading scorer with 12,586 points, behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and holds the record for most three-pointers made. His contributions were pivotal in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run, their first in 50 years, where he averaged 23.6 points in the postseason. The February trade that sent him to Washington in exchange for Kyle Kuzma ended his 735-game tenure with the Bucks, making this return a poignant chapter in the team’s history.
The game featured a compelling reunion with Antetokounmpo, whom Middleton called a ‘brother for life,’ and their on-court rivalry included Middleton drawing a charge on his former teammate in the second quarter. Middleton joked about the encounter, saying, ‘I saw his eyes light up when he saw me under the rim,’ and downplayed the impact compared to their practice battles. Antetokounmpo, who finished with 37 points and 14 rebounds, praised Middleton’s enduring skills, noting he ‘still can hoop’ and always plays smart basketball.
Despite Middleton’s team-high 23 points, the Wizards fell 133-120 to the Bucks, who demonstrated their offensive firepower but also suffered a setback with point guard Kevin Porter Jr. sustaining a sprained ankle in the first quarter. Porter is scheduled for an MRI, with coach Doc Rivers expressing concern over the injury’s severity, though the night’s narrative centered on Middleton’s heartfelt return rather than the final score.
Health-wise, Middleton expressed optimism about the season ahead, emphasizing that after surgeries and rehabs limited him to 33 games in 2022-23 and 55 in 2023-24, he entered this year feeling fully recovered. ‘My body feels great,’ he said during a shootaround, citing a summer free from rehabilitation that allowed him to build from the basics. This update bodes well for his role in Washington, where he aims to contribute consistently without the burden of past injuries.
The evening concluded with embraces between Middleton and his former Bucks teammates, symbolizing the enduring bonds forged over years of collaboration and competition. This return not only celebrated Middleton’s indelible mark on Milwaukee but also underscored the respect and camaraderie that transcend team affiliations, leaving a lasting impression on all involved and setting a tone of mutual appreciation in professional sports.