Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) misses Game 2 vs. Heat
Due to an injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Game 2 and cheered on his teammates from the sideline.
The Milwaukee Bucks withstood Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence to rout the Miami Heat 138-122 on Wednesday night, tying the Eastern Conference first-round series at a game apiece.
The Milwaukee Bucks matched an NBA record by making 25 of 49 three-point shots, demonstrating their team depth even without their two-time Kia MVP. Pat Connaughton, who hadn’t participated in Game 1, achieved a playoff career-high by scoring 22 points, and successfully made 6 of 10 three-point shots.
Bobby Portis took Antetokounmpo’s usual place in the starting lineup, ending the game with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, a steal and two blocks in a 28-minute play duration.
“Everyone’s prepared,” said Brook Lopez, the center for Bucks. “Everyone possesses the correct mindset entering into the game – the mindset required to be a part of Milwaukee Buck. No one is superior to anyone else. Our sole focus is on striving for the win.”
Game Recap: Bucks 138, Heat 122
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said at his pregame availability that Antetokounmpo wouldn’t be available due to the bruised lower back that knocked the two-time MVP out of the Bucks’ 130-117 Game 1 loss on Sunday.
“Budenholzer expressed optimism about the possibility of him playing, but also acknowledged the chance that he might not,” He said, “The team is prepared. They are concentrated and in a positive mindset.”
Antetokounmpo was initially marked as doubtful on Tuesday’s injury report but got upgraded to questionable on Wednesday. He had to depart for good early in the second quarter during the Bucks’ loss in Game 1.
Budenholzer stated, “He has consistently been improving. However, after discussing with him and the sports performance group, we decided that he’s not ready to play yet. The players who are ready and available are all set. We will keep monitoring him and hope that he will continue to improve. We remain optimistic that he will be ready to play soon.”
Antetokounmpo had to exit Game 1 following a collision with Miami’s Kevin Love, who was charged with a blocking foul during the incident. He fell awkwardly on his back and spent some time on the floor before rising slowly. Despite the incident, he remained in the game to take his free throws, and only left after receiving his second foul with just 1:46 remaining in the first quarter.
Antetokounmpo retreated to the locker room, only to re-enter the game with 9:56 left in the second quarter. However, he returned to the locker room with 8:33 remaining in the same quarter and did not participate any further in the game.
During the regular season, the Bucks had a record of 11-8 in matches where Antetokounmpo was absent. This record includes two losses in Miami, although the Bucks did defeat the Heat with a score of 128-99 in a match on Feb. 24. In that particular game, Antetokounmpo only participated for six minutes before he had to exit due to a problem with his right knee.
In addition to their other challenges, the Bucks were without guard Wesley Matthews due to a right calf strain he sustained in Game 1. The Heat were also at a disadvantage, as Tyler Herro had broken his right hand in Game 1 and was unlikely to play again this season unless Miami made it to the NBA Finals.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
