MIAMI — Giannis Antetokounmpo, currently the leading scorer in the NBA this season, was surprisingly sidelined during the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night due to swelling in his left knee. This unexpected development arose just an hour before the game, where he had initially been marked as probable due to a strained left calf. The recent knee issue seemingly exacerbated the situation.
Despite the absence of their star player, the Bucks managed to clinch a narrow victory over the Heat, winning 106-103, largely thanks to Damian Lillard’s impressive performance, scoring 37 points. Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed surprise about the situation, admitting he learned about the knee issue shortly before speaking to the media.
Milwaukee’s next game is scheduled for Saturday when they will host the Washington Wizards. The NBA has a player participation policy requiring teams to have star players available for national broadcasts and in-season tournament games unless there is an approved reason for their absence. This policy had recently led to a fine imposed on the Atlanta Hawks for holding Trae Young out of a Cup game.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and subject of the league’s participation rules, averages an outstanding 32.4 points per game on an impressive 61% shooting accuracy this season. Despite the setback, Rivers emphasized the dedication of Antetokounmpo and indicated that such occurrences are part of the game that must be managed.
This incident highlights not only the unpredictability of sports but also the resilience of the Bucks, who have now secured their fifth consecutive win even without their star player. The team’s ability to rally together in challenging circumstances showcases their strength and depth, leaving fans hopeful for their continued success as they head deeper into the season.