Superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his right knee in the first quarter of the Bucks’ 128-99 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night.
With just over a minute to go in the first quarter, the two-time NBA MVP took a knee with another player. Antetokounmpo was unable to return to the game.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said he wasn’t sure exactly when Antetokounmpo hurt his knee, but noted that he would be considered day-to-day due to the injury.
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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, dribbles the ball to the basket during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on February 24, 2023 in Milwaukee. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo entered the game with a nagging wrist injury sustained in a game before the All-Star break. He started in last week’s All-Star Game but exited quickly after scoring just two points.
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On Friday, Budenholzer called a timeout in the middle of a Bucks possession as Antetokounmpo headed for the team’s dugout. He then he went into the tunnel and into the locker room area.
«He was basically asking me out,» Budenholzer said after the game. «Luckily, we had the ball. I don’t think we know exactly when he hit his knees.»
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first half of a game on March 14, 2022 in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
The 28-year-old went from iffy to questionable to active before the game against the Heat. He had four points, four rebounds and four assists in his limited time on the court Friday.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives the basket around Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2022 in Milwaukee. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today Sports)
Antetokounmpo also missed games earlier this season with a left knee injury. Milwaukee’s 29-point victory over Miami marked their largest margin of victory of the season.
The Bucks have now won 13 straight games, the longest streak in the league this season.
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«The last two days of practice [without Giannis]We really just emphasized keeping that pace, the way we played,» Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said.
«Outbreak [Budenholzer] He says to turn on the faucet. I think just playing fast, playing random sometimes and keeping our chemistry has been good.»