The Bucks are heading to NBA Finals, proving they are good enough to make it even without their best player.
Still, the Milwaukee Bucks are hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo can return before Game 1 of the finals against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
The two-time MVP exited early on during Game 4 when he sustained a knee injury, preventing him from playing in their last two games against the Hawks. The Bucks are hoping he can return for the finals, but it is unknown whether hell have enough time to recover his hyperextended knee.
According to Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, Antetokounmpo’s injury is a day-to-day thing, and that they’ll update about it when appropriate.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo missing the final two games, the Bucks showed impressive resilience by winning back-to-back games.
It was possible only with the lead of Khris Middleton, Antetokounmpo’s fellow team veteran. Middleton scored the Bucks first 16 points during the second half, leading Milwaukee with 32. On the other hand, Jrue Holiday made 27 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remained on the bench and would sometimes go to the court to talk with his teammates. During the game, he was super animated that coach Budenholzer was afraid he might be given a technical foul. He couldn’t be with the team on the court, but he inspired them to win.
The reward of the teams hard work brought them, for the first time again since 1974, onto the NBA Finals court. It was in 1971 when Milwaukee first won its NBA title. Antetokounmpo has been the teams center for the championships. It would be a shame if he will not be there to play.