Khris Middleton, now donning a Dallas Mavericks jersey, reminded the Indiana Pacers of his Central Division days with a stellar performance on Sunday. Middleton dropped 25 points on an impressive 11-for-15 shooting, including 3-for-5 from beyond the arc. He also contributed seven assists, seven rebounds, and a steal in just 30 minutes, propelling the Mavs to a narrow 134-130 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
This win was a much-needed relief for Dallas, snapping a tough 10-game losing streak. Remarkably, they achieved this without their standout rookie, Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined with a sprained left foot for the third consecutive game.
Middleton's journey to Dallas came via a trade from the Washington Wizards, a deal that also involved the Charlotte Hornets. With his contract set to expire after the 2025-26 season, Middleton has every incentive to keep his game sharp, potentially boosting his value for the upcoming free agency.
While a future reunion with the Milwaukee Bucks might be on the horizon, Middleton's current focus is clear: driving success for the Mavericks. During his 11-plus seasons with the Bucks, the two-time All-Star averaged 17.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, shooting a solid 46.1% from the field. His performance against the Pacers was a reminder of the skill and leadership he brings to the court.