The Phoenix Suns triumphed 118-108 on Thursday, claiming a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals series against the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo was exceptional for Milwaukee but it wasn’t enough to lift his side, scoring 42 points and 12 rebounds.
That performance comes in the context of the Greek forward missing the final two games of the NBA Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks last week after a nasty knee hyper-extension.
“When I’m not out there, it’s not about testing it more, if I’m out there, I’m trying to play and help my team win in any way possible,” he said.
“When you start thinking about your knee, or toe or pinky, or whatever, you’re making excuses in your mind. You’re out there, just play the game, do whatever you can, leave it on the floor.”
Antetokounmpo seem to injure the same leg late, limping to the bench although he was able to return.
“It’s just cramp,” he said. “I didnt think it was connected to my knee.”
The Greek scored 20 points in a huge third quarter, which was the best points return in an NBA Finals quarter since Michael Jordan in 1993.
That meant little to the 26-year-old with his side 2-0 down in the series, but he remained bullish about their chances as the series moves to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Saturday.
“Going back to Milwaukee, we’ve been here before,” he said. “We know what the deal is. We’ve just got to be aggressive and keep enjoying playing together.
“Hopefully our good habits will take over and we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win the game.”