Middleton became one of the best second options in the NBA with the Bucks. He became a three-time All-Star with the team and helped the franchise win the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns. He was also the reliable closer next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks enter Game 3 down 2-0 after losing both games in Indiana, and Giannis Antetokounmpo knows full well that they cannot afford to lose on Friday night. Doing so would pretty much be a death sentence for the Bucks, considering how no team in the history of the NBA has ever come back to win a series after going down 3-0.

In Game 2 with Damian Lillard back, the Bucks' offense found many good opportunities. But the defense? Still a lot of work to be done.