Giannis Antetokounmpo's Back Injury Puts Bucks' Playoff Hopes In Jeopardy
Milwaukee Bucks' All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back contusion during the first quarter of Game 1 in the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Miami Heat, which forced him out of the game.
Antetokounmpo landed hard on his backside after being fouled and didn't return to the game after the second quarter.
This setback has made the Bucks' championship aspirations more precarious as they lost the game 130-117 to the Miami Heat.
The Bucks coach, Mike Budenholzer, stated that Antetokounmpo underwent a clear X-ray and they would monitor his condition and how he wakes up tomorrow.
The Bucks will hope that the two-time MVP is feeling better by Wednesday for Game 2 of the series in Milwaukee.
Although Antetokounmpo got up slowly after being fouled, he stayed in the game to take his free throws before getting removed after picking up his second foul.
He went to the locker room and returned to the game with 9:56 left in the second quarter, but exited again with 8:33 left in the half and didn't return.
With six points and three rebounds in 11 minutes, his absence affected the team's performance, according to Budenholzer.
The coach added that they would take it day by day to see how Antetokounmpo feels and what the doctors say.
The Bucks have been blessed with his quick healing abilities, but his resilience will be tested as the team is heavily reliant on his contributions.
In the same game, Miami Heat's Tyler Herro broke his right hand late in the second quarter, which could also affect the team's performance in the playoffs.
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Source: NBA
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