AP Photo/John BazemoreKhris Middleton scored 23 points in the third quarter to help the Milwaukee Bucks reach the NBA Finals. He also finished with 32 overall. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 118 to 107 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals series at State Farm Arena.After a Hawks layup, the Bucks led 47 to 45 early in the third quarter. But Middleton put on a personal 13-0 run that gave Milwaukee a 60 to 45 advantage.The Bucks never trailed and led 91-72 at the end of the fourth quarter. They held an advantage of six points or more for the remainder of game, despite a Hawks charge late in the game.Jrue Holiday added to Middleton's efforts by posting a near triple-double (27 points and nine assists, and nine rebounds), in an effort to overcome Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks forward, two-time MVP), who was unable make it due to hyperextended left knee sustained in Game 4.After missing Game 3 with a right foot fracture, Trae Young, Hawks' All-Star 2019-20, returned to the game. He scored 14 points, had nine assists, and made five turnovers.Atlanta's forward Cam Reddish was a great bench player. He dropped a team record 21 points and hit six of seven three-pointers.The Bucks are currently aiming for their first NBA title since 1971 when they beat the Baltimore Bullets in round one. Since 1974, they haven't been in the Finals.Notable PerformancesBucks F Khris Middleton - 32 points, 7 assists and 3 stealsBucks G Jrue Holiday - 27 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds, with 4 stealsBucks G Pat Connaughton: 13 Points, 8 ReboundsHawks SF Cam Reddish 21 pointsHawks SG Bogdan Bogdanovic 20 points, 3 StealsHawks PG Trae young: 14 points, 9 assistsMiddleton, without Giannis Guides Bucks to the NBA FinalsThe Bucks were faced with a difficult task when Antetokounmpo, a player who averaged 28.1 points and 11.0 rebounds during the regular season, sustained a knee injury in Game 4.It's quite a task to replace all of that production in a short time. The Bucks lost 110-88 in Game 4.The Bucks recovered and made it to the NBA Finals sans Antetokounmpo. Middleton was the most important player in that effort.In Game 5, Middleton scored 26 points, had 13 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. The Bucks won the game 123-112.The two-time All-Star was on fire Saturday during his personal 13-0 quarter run. He hit a pair three-pointers and two two-point baskets, as well as a three-point play within a span of just two minutes. On 8-of-11 shooting, he scored the Bucks' 16 first-quarter points.Middleton's efforts were well-recognized:Middleton is not the first to take over quarters during the playoffs, according to ESPN Stats & Info.He also made Bucks history along his journey:Most importantly, however, Middleton’s third-quarter rage ultimately allowed the Bucks to survive a Hawks late fourth-quarter run, which was fought until the end.Middleton was too strong for Milwaukee on that night. Milwaukee now seeks its 50th consecutive championship.Hawks Fight and Claw to Win AgainMilwaukee seemed destined to win a major victory, taking a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. But the Hawks had other plans.After a Capela dunk, which cut the Bucks' deficit to 107-101 with three minutes remaining, they reduced their lead to six points.With 1:20 left, Milwaukee was cut to 113-106 by a Bogdan Bogdanovic three pointer.It was a one-possession game, and if there had been a defensive stop or another Atlanta bucket, it would have been. But it wasn't meant that way. Middleton found P.J. Tucker made a corner three pointer that sealed the Bucks' Eastern Conference title.Although it was disappointing for the Hawks, Atlanta deserves credit for not giving up throughout the playoffs.In Game 5, the Hawks trailed 26 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, but they won 109-106. They were 18 points down in the previous game, but came back to win 103-100.The Hawks won the series opener 116 to 113, despite the Bucks losing their seven-point lead in Game 1.They made Saturday interesting with a game that was almost over.With 8:17 remaining, the Hawks trailed 102 to 84. However, they went on an 8-1 run that culminated in a John Collins three point play.While the Bucks held their distance and led 107 to 94 with 5:25 remaining, Reddish kept Atlanta alive by nailing a three pointer to give the Hawks some hope.This began a 7-0 run that ended when Reddish found Capela to dunk.Holiday scored a bucket, but the Bucks offense was too strong. From that point, the Bucks were leading by seven points or more to win.The Hawks' perseverance and grit have not gone unnoticed.Young's performance was remarkable enough, for starters. His off-shooting night clearly showed that he was hampered due to his foot injury. He did his best to save his team from elimination and symbolises the spirit and determination that the Hawks have displayed throughout the postseason.Reddish was out of action for four months due to right Achilles pain. He returned for the Bucks series with a minutes restriction. Reddish, who played 29 minutes, was the Hawks' best player on Saturday.The Hawks have established a new identity with interim head coach Nate McMillan. This is a great sideline solution for a team that was only 14-20 when he arrived.They are a hardy, competitive team with talented long-range shooters as well as big men who can improve.Although the season ended in a different way than they expected, the Hawks won't be leaving the playoffs anytime soon.What's next?The championship drought will soon end.The Bucks will take on the Phoenix Suns. They have not won a title before and are making their first Finals appearance in 1993.Game 1 will take place at Phoenix Suns Arena on Tuesday, at 9 p.m. ET
