Khris Middleton appreciative of reception in Milwaukee return - ESPN

MILWAUKEE — Since the NBA released its regular-season schedule in August, Khris Middleton had been anticipating Wednesday's night's season opener.

After 12 seasons and 735 games with the Bucks — highlighted by winning the 2021 NBA championship — Middleton played his first game as a visitor in Milwaukee, this time as a member of the Wizards in a 133-120 Washington loss.

A sold-out crowd at Fiserv Forum serenaded Middleton with several standing ovations. The first came when his name was announced in pregame introductions. Another happened when a tribute video played on the scoreboard during a first-quarter timeout. And the last came when Middleton checked out of the game after scoring a team-high 23 points.

«To get that type of recognition, appreciation from the city, the organization, I mean that meant the world to me,» Middleton said.

«To get a standing ovation on the road doesn't happen often, so I wanted to make sure that they knew I acknowledge them. Even though I really don't speak too much or do too much, but that really meant a lot. That's every player's dream to get a standing ovation no matter where they're at.»

Milwaukee dealt Middleton to the Wizards before the trade deadline in February as part of a multiplayer deal that brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee.

In his return, Middleton was greeted by the team mascot and band as he walked into the arena before the game, and several team staffers stopped him for greetings and pictures. The video tribute during the game lasted over a minute.

Milwaukee will always love you, Khris.