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Bucks’ offense is ideal for Middleton

AP photo Milwaukee Bucks’ Eric Bledsoe, middle, passes between New York Knicks’ Mario Hezonja (8) and Enes Kanter (00) during the second half Monday in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 124-113.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Khris Middleton is finding plenty of freedom and fun in the Milwaukee Bucks’ wide-open offense.

Middleton sank 7 of 8 3-pointers and finished with 30 points — including two critical 3s down the stretch — as the Bucks held off the New York Knicks 124-113 on Monday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points and 15 rebounds and Eric Bledsoe added 16 points and 13 assists for the Bucks, who are 3-0 for the first time since 2005-06.

“There are so many interchangeable parts with the offense,” Middleton said.

“Sharing the ball, moving the ball. The pace is crazy. But it’s been fun.

“There are so many opportunities and different looks we get out of the offense.”

Middleton’s 3-pointer with 2:22 left gave the Bucks a 116-110 lead, and he sank another off a pick-and-roll with Brook Lopez to make it 122-113.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said he believes Middleton can be an elite 3-point shooter. The 6-foot-8 veteran is 15-for-23 (65 percent) from beyond the arc this season.

“We feel like he puts a lot of work and time into his craft,” Budenholzer said. “We’re going to create great opportunities for everybody, including Khris. And he’s done it before.”

Antetokounmpo only had one 3, but it came in a big spot, giving Milwaukee the lead for good midway through the fourth period.

He scored 16 points in the final quarter while playing through contact in the paint.

“I just want to win,” Antetokounmpo said. “I tried to play harder, tried to get on my spots. It’s the third game of the season. New coach, new game plan.

“I’m just trying to figure it out. And I will. And when I do, it’s going to be so easy and I’m going to be a beast out there.”

Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Knicks with 24 points. Trey Burke added 19 and Mario Hezonja had 18.

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