The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off their postseason matchup vs. the visiting Miami Heat on Sunday, and things went south fast.
After a hard fall in the first quarter, Antetokounmpo stayed on the ground and grabbed his tailbone in pain. He immediately went back to the locker room. Once he resurfaced, Antetokounmpo came back into the matchup, but it was a short-lived stint before he was pulled due to some noticeable discomfort. Bucks fans anxiously awaited answers on their superstar, and Coach Budenholzer told reporters where things stand.
According to Budenholzer, Antetokounmpo’s X-rays came back clear, and the forward has a back contusion. He added that the Bucks will monitor him and see how he feels tomorrow.
Bucks deliver first update on Giannis Antetokounmpo after Game 1 injury
All things considered, this is a good initial update; it’s always great to hear that X-rays came back clear, as that is the biggest thing. Antetokounmpo may be dealing with some bruising or stiffness, but nothing being broken is good. More tests will have to be done, so it is impossible to know if he will be back on the floor for Wednesday’s Game 2, but it is no secret that Antetokounmpo will do everything in his power to be back out there.
Luckily, the Bucks will have two full days of rest before Game 2, giving the Greek Freak extra time to rehab and get treatment. Fingers crossed that Antetokounmpo wakes up feeling good and can shake this discomfort. This injury made for an ugly start to the 2023 NBA Playoffs, and the Bucks are now facing an uncertain timetable with their star as they find themselves in an 0-1 hole.
Yet, they cannot allow this injury to derail their title hopes. Whether Antetokounmpo is out on the floor or not, other Bucks will have to step up, and coaching adjustments will have to be made. For now, all Bucks fans can do is wait and see how things transpire in the next few days here.
Stay tuned for more updates on Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Bucks prepare to take on the Heat in a big Game 2 this coming Wednesday.