Going into these playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks were scrutinized for falling short in prior postseasons. Everyone knew that Giannis Antetokounmpo was going to perform, but there were questions about his supporting cast, including All-Star Khris Middleton. However, Khris Middleton has been amazing thus far these playoffs, averaging 23.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 5.1 APG during the course of the postseason.
Middleton’s performances have drawn some attention from media members, and there have even been suggestions that he could be in the Finals MVP conversation. Stephen A. Smith has recently stated the case for why Khris Middleton could potentially be in play for the award. (0:30)
"[Khris] Middleton could be in the argument for NBA Finals MVP."
—@stephenasmith pic.twitter.com/uHTRyCfuwe
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 19, 2021
He’s looked absolutely spectacular for the most part during these NBA Finals series. Even though the numbers would speak to Giannis, who’s averaging 32 and 13 on 61% shooting… Middleton could be in the argument for NBA Finals MVP, based on how he’s performed and when he has performed, meaning the ability to close to seal the deal. That’s how special he has been.
There is no doubt that Khris Middleton has had a great Finals, and perhaps he could get some consideration for Finals MVP. However, what Giannis Antetokounmpo has done over the course of the series on both ends cannot be overlooked. Before we talk Finals MVP though, the Milwaukee Bucks still have to close out this series. They will have an opportunity to do so in Game 6, and if they do, we’ll see what the voters think on Khris Middleton’s and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Finals MVP cases.
