Giannis Antetokounmpo, the top scorer in the NBA this season, was a surprising late scratch from the Milwaukee Bucks’ NBA Cup matchup against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night due to swelling in his left knee. Despite being listed as probable before the game with a strained left calf, the knee concern appeared just an hour prior to tip-off, prompting the team to hold him out.
In his absence, Damian Lillard stepped up, scoring an impressive 37 points, leading the Bucks to a hard-fought 106-103 victory, which marked their fifth consecutive win. Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his surprise at the late change in Antetokounmpo’s status, stating, “Honestly, that’s breaking news to me, too, right now.”
Looking ahead, the Bucks will have some time off before their next game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Under the NBA’s player participation policy, which was put in place last season, teams must have star players participate in national television and NBA In-Season Tournament games unless a valid reason is provided. Antetokounmpo is classified as a star player and is critical to the Bucks’ success. Just the same day, the Atlanta Hawks faced a $100,000 fine for resting Trae Young under similar circumstances.
While Antetokounmpo’s absence from the Heat game raises questions about the compliance with the league’s policy, it’s essential to note that he has had an outstanding season, boasting an average of 32.4 points per game on a remarkable 61% shooting and participating in 16 of Milwaukee’s first 17 games. Coach Rivers emphasized the need to navigate these occurrences carefully, commenting on the nature of the game and his superstar’s playing style.
As the Bucks move forward, fans can hold on to hope that Antetokounmpo will recover swiftly and return to the court, allowing the team to continue building on their momentum. In the competitive landscape of the NBA, a strong recovery could mean even more exciting games ahead for both the Bucks and their supporters.