Matt Velazquez

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Khris Middleton was in the middle of a relatively quiet night and hadn't taken a single shot in the fourth quarter. But with the game tied, the shot clock off and the Milwaukee Bucks in need of a clutch bucket, Middleton delivered.

Knotted up with the rival Chicago Bulls with about 30 seconds left, the Bucks moved the ball around looking for a go-ahead shot. Brook Lopez drove inside against his brother, Robin, but couldn't get a layup to fall. His put-back attempt, too, bounced off the rim and then high into the air.

In soared Bucks point guard Eric Bledsoe, who tapped the jump ball out to Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon bought himself a bit of space in the midrange, but instead of shooting kicked back to Middleton, who was wide open at the top of the key.

Middleton coolly sank the shot, and the Bulls, with his three-pointer, giving the Bucks a 116-113 victory Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum. Middleton finished with 17 points, with no three more important than his last.

BOX SCORE: Bucks 116, Bulls 113

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“For several years I think Khris has been a big-shot maker, a big-shot guy at the end of games," coach Mike Budenholzer said. "When you don’t get a touch that can make it harder. … He’s a heck of player, heck of a big-time gamer when the game is on the line.”

That triple was part of a clutch final minute for the Bucks (15-6), who have struggled at times this season in close games.

With the game tied at 111, Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo combined to block Jabari Parker, with the ball going out of bounds and awarded to the Bulls. The Bucks immediately requested a replay review, which was granted and concluded that the ball had last touched Parker on its way out of bounds.

Antetokounmpo took advantage of that extra possession. He drove at Bulls rookie center Wendell Carter Jr., drawing a foul, Carter's sixth. Antetokounmpo then made the free throws before Zach LaVine quickly tied the game with a layup, setting up Middleton's play.

“Guys found a way to win a tough game," Budenholzer said. 'Chicago’s movement, activity, energy was very impressive. … Fortunate to get out of here with a win.”

Antetokounmpo carried the Bucks throughout the night, scoring a season-high 36 points while recording 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Brogdon was Antetokounmpo's wingman, putting up a season-high 24 points. He made all six of this three-point attempts to go with five rebounds and six assists, including the critical one to Middleton.

"Bled made a great tip out. I had a chance to take a tough two -- the guy had flown by me. I could have taken that, but I'd rather take a three. Khris was open, he's a great shooter, so I passed it to him. ...

"(Middleton) is one of the best in the league, period. He's an all-star. He'll be an all-star this year. That's what he's out there for."

Much like their last meeting with the Bulls, the Bucks got off to a slow start. Buoyed by LaVine and Parker, who went on to score 24 points each, the Bulls took a 40-30 lead into the second quarter, increasing the margin quickly to 12 courtesy of a Parker bucket.

But the Bucks again battled back. This time, they didn't wait until the third quarter. Returning from injuries, Ersan Ilyasova and Donte DiVincenzo provided solid minutes in the second quarter. Ilyasova ended the half with nine points and DiVincenzo collected three steals – at Parker's expense – in just 34 seconds.

By halftime, the Bucks had a one-point lead, setting up a contest that would remain tight all the way to the end before Middleton claimed victory for the Bucks.