Middleton Leads Bucks To Win, NBA Scores

Khris Middleton's role on the Milwaukee Bucks has evolved from catch-and-shoot perimeter player to crunch-time playmaker.

A matchup problem as a 6-foot-8 forward who plays in the backcourt, Middleton did more damage Thursday night against the Washington Wizards by attacking the bucket and finding open teammates.

Middleton scored 27 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Bucks held on for 99-92 win to head into the All-Star break on a high note.

"Yeah, we look at Khris as our best player, our best scorer," teammate Jabari Parker said. "He opens up a lot of areas for us, and we're going to depend on him."

Especially in the final quarter, when Middleton had 14 points and five assists.

Thunder 121, Pelicans 95

Basketball didn't matter much to Kevin Durant on Thursday night. Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams' wife, Ingrid, was involved in a car crash Tuesday night in Oklahoma City and died Wednesday. Monty Williams coached the Pelicans last season before coming to Oklahoma City to help new coach Billy Donovan, so as his two most recent teams met, both played with heavy hearts. A moment of silence was observed before the Thunder's 121-95 victory.

Durant was distraught earlier in the day while discussing the situation after the team's shootaround, and he said it remained fresh in his mind after the game.

"We love the game so much, but that's not really what's important," Durant said. "It's definitely something that we love to do, but relationships, family -- those things -- that's what's most important in life, not the latest trends or the fashion world or all that stuff. It's cool and all that stuff, but the stuff that lasts forever is relationships, family and love."

Donovan wasn't sure how his team would deal with all that happened. Durant scored 23 points, Russell Westbrook had 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, and Serge Ibaka added 18 points.

"I really appreciated all of our guys, the way they all have handled a really difficult situation these past 24 hours and being able to go out and play," Donovan said.

Thursday, February 11 Scoreboard
    
Milwaukee 99, Washington 92

Oklahoma City 121, New Orleans 95

Friday, February 12 Schedule

No games scheduled

Saturday, February 13 Schedule

No games scheduled

Sunday, February 14 Schedule (Time  Central)

Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference, 7 p.m.