A chaotic Wednesday for the Milwaukee Bucks was calmed slightly by the news that Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury is likely not as serious as first thought, as suspected by sports doctor Brian Sutterer.
"I don't think it's major, I'm hopeful this is just some tightness. I would ease some stress, ease some concerns, because nothing about this screams to me concerning a significant Achilles or a significant calf strain. Hopefully it's just tightness. Giannis is fine, he and the team are maybe just being extra cautious."
Giannis may have avoided serious injury and the team stepped up
News broke early on Wednesday that there were discussions between the two-time MVP and the Bucks' front office about his future with the team. That put huge pressure on the game against the Central Division rival Detroit Pistons. Losing Giannis three minutes into the game only cranked up the pressure further.
The squad pulled out a 113-109 win, and Giannis has had an MRI. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder have a better record than the Pistons this season, so Wednesday's win may have been the best of the Bucks' season so far. Giannis had missed time previously, and the team failed to string together many wins in his absence.
Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins led from the front. AJ Green hit big shots. Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims had huge games off the bench. It seemed like the players were fighting to prove doubters wrong as so much Giannis trade chatter hit the airwaves.
Doc Rivers spoke to the media after the game, and he said an Achilles injury had been ruled out. There is no update as of yet as to whether the Greek Freak will miss time, but Rivers was also making headlines earlier in the day when he told reporters that no conversation between Giannis and the franchise took place.
Portis also told reporters that Giannis was the first player in the group chat congratulating the team on the win. It was a gritty win, with everyone stepping up and showcasing their unique contributions to the roster, and once settled in, they looked like they were trying to silence the chatter around the team.
It felt like Deja vu seeing Giannis crumple to the floor. In 2024, he suffered a calf injury late in the season and subsequently missed the playoffs. For him and the Bucks, the season was over, and Giannis just had the Paris Olympics to work towards. Milwaukee won't do anything to rush him back and potentially make the injury worse, but they will need repeat performances like the win over Detroit to keep the team in playoff contention when he returns.
More will be revealed in the coming days ahead of the Bucks' next game against Philadelphia on Friday. There is nothing concrete yet on Giannis, but reports and signs all suggest that he has avoided a serious injury.