Superstar Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokunmpo left the team 128-99 victory over Miami Heat with a knee injury in the first quarter. Although Antetokounmpo played only six minutes, the Bucks cruised to the 13th consecutive win, which is now the longest winning streak in the league this season.
According to the team’s press secretary, Antetokunmpo “knocked down” with Heat, which was confirmed by Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer during his press conference after the game.
- We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Budenholzer said. – Just appreciate it and take it day after day.
Budenholzer did not provide any information on possible testing.
With just over a minute left in the first quarter, Antetokounmpo briefly placed on the right block, then threw the ball into the Jevon Carter and immediately signaled to the bench. He started walking off the floor as the game continued, and the Bucks called a timeout to get him out of the game. Antetokunmpo limped right into the locker room and did not return.
Antetokounmpo started Friday listed as doubtful in the injury report, but the Bucks raised it to questionable later in the day. Head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters Antetokounmpo was a game-time decision.
He started and looked like his old self during his 6:28 court hours, posting four points, four rebounds and four assists. The Bucks kept a lead of 38-27 at 1:09 in the first quarter when he left.
It’s not the first time this season the Bucks have to deal with the absence of their superstar. He was forced to miss two weeks in January while breastfeeding a knee problem.
When healthy, the seven-time All-Star is as dominant as ever, averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 47 appearances coming in on Friday. The Bucks, who entered the Eastern Conference on Monday with a record of 41-17 years, are six to five when he’s off-line by StatMuse.
It’s impossible to replicate Antetokounmpo’s production with a player, so the Bucks will depend on people like Jure Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Kris Middleton to take charge in his absence.