In Miami, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Tuesday’s 106-103 victory over the Miami Heat due to swelling in his left knee. Despite being listed as probable with a calf strain prior to the game, Antetokounmpo participated in shootaround and his pregame warmup. However, discomfort in his knee prompted him to sit out.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers was informed just an hour before the game that Antetokounmpo would not play, prompting him to quickly reassess the game strategy. Rivers acknowledged uncertainty over what had caused the flare-up in Antetokounmpo’s knee, stating, “Giannis doesn’t miss many games. Whatever it is, I’m sure it was the right thing to do.”
Fortunately for the Bucks, they will not play again until Saturday night in Milwaukee, allowing Antetokounmpo a few days for recovery. In his absence, Damian Lillard stepped up significantly, leading the team with 37 points and 12 assists.
Lillard remarked on the necessity of team effort in light of Antetokounmpo’s absence, saying, “It’s always going to be done by committee. 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 had a remarkable season thus far, boasting an average of 32.4 points with a shooting percentage of 60.8%, alongside 11.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. This marked his second absence of the season, following another missed game on November 4 due to a right adductor strain.
Despite the challenges, the Bucks recorded their fifth consecutive win, improving their season record to 9-9 after a rough 2-8 start. Lillard noted the resilience of the team, stating, “Being 2-8 and not feeling good about it… we’ve done that. It’s not something we’re looking at and celebrating, but it’s the fact that we’re going in the right direction by the way we’re playing.”
This highlights a positive trajectory for the Bucks, showcasing their ability to adapt under pressure and demonstrating strong team dynamics as they aim for a successful season ahead. The Bucks’ ability to succeed even without a key player like Antetokounmpo serves as a hopeful sign for fans looking forward to the remainder of the season.