MIAMI – Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Tuesday’s 106-103 victory over the Miami Heat due to swelling in his left knee. Although he was listed as probable for the game with a calf strain, Antetokounmpo participated in the team’s shootaround and completed his pregame warmup routine before experiencing discomfort in his knee.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers received the news about Antetokounmpo’s absence about an hour prior to tip-off and subsequently adjusted the game strategy with his coaching staff. Despite the unexpected change, Rivers remained uncertain about the specifics of the knee issue, acknowledging that it must have been a necessary decision for Antetokounmpo to sit out.
“Giannis doesn’t miss many games,” Rivers noted. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it was the right thing to do.”
The Bucks have a few days off before their next game on Saturday night in Milwaukee, offering Antetokounmpo a chance to recuperate. In his absence, Damian Lillard stepped up remarkably, leading the team with a game-high 37 points and 12 assists.
“It’s always going to be done by committee,” Lillard said postgame. “Everybody is going to have to do a little bit more with such a hole in our lineup, but I know guys are going to look to me to step up.”
Antetokounmpo has been having an outstanding season, averaging 32.4 points on 60.8% shooting, along with 11.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. This marked his second missed game of the season, previously sitting out during a close 116-114 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a right adductor strain.
Despite the absence of their two-time MVP, the Bucks secured their fifth consecutive victory, elevating their season record to 9-9, a significant turnaround from their sluggish 2-8 start.
“Being 2-8 and not feeling good about it, but our team staying together, continuing to fight the fight and look ourselves in the mirror like, ‘What do we need to be better about? What we need to change?’ We’ve done that,” Lillard reflected.
While acknowledging that they are not yet celebrating, Lillard expressed optimism about their recent performance. “We’re beating good teams. We’re winning at home. We’re winning on the road, a game like tonight, without Giannis. The way we’re doing it is sustainable, and it’s showing that we’re doing what we wanted to be doing coming into the season.”
This shows not only the resilience of the Bucks as a team but also their commitment to overcoming challenges, a hallmark of a successful season ahead. Fans can look forward to seeing how the team continues to improve, with or without their star player.