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Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks Dodge a Bullet Ahead of Playoffs
The Two-Time MVP Had to Be Carried to the Locker Room Against the Celtics
The Greek Freak Is OK
Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo got good news on his Achilles after leaving Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Celtics.
As NBA news outlets reported, Antetokounmpo left his team’s 104-91 home win against the Celtics in the third quarter after falling to the floor with a left calf strain, which had Bucks fans fearing the worst.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is grabbing his Achilles and went to the locker room oh no pic.twitter.com/X6E5CcQWRe
— Bones🦴 (@Boness305) April 10, 2024
According to the Bucks, Antetokounmpo was officially ruled out in the fourth quarter because of a left soleus (calf muscle) strain. He had 15 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in 33 minutes before the injury.
NBA History
Antetokounmpo shot the only two free throws of the game, with 19 seconds left in the first quarter. He made one. The Celtics became the first team in NBA history to shoot zero free throws in a game. The previous record for the fewest combined free throw attempts in a game was 11, when the Pacers beat the Magic 109-102 on November 10, 2019, in Orlando.
.@keyshawn reacts to Giannis Antetokounmpo injuring calf in win over Celtics:
“This was scary. It reminds me of what happened to Kevin Durant.” pic.twitter.com/pJC0lxQb0K
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 10, 2024
After the game, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed the NBA rumors and said that Antetokounmpo underwent an MRI test on his calf and Achilles tendon.
“You know he’s Giannis. I think everyone probably feels the same way as I do right now. So we’re just going to hope for the best,” Rivers explained.
The MRI revealed that Antetokounmpo’s left Achilles tendon was fully intact, and according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will return to action as soon as his calf strain heals.
“After an MRI, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s left Achilles tendon is fully intact and his return to play will come with how quickly his left calf strain heals, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski posted on X.
After an MRI, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s left Achilles tendon is fully intact and his return to play will come with how quickly his left calf strain heals, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2024
Bucks Hope to Turn Things Around Before Antetokounmpo Returns
The NBA Playoffs are just around the corner but Bucks fans can breathe a sigh of relief because Antetokounmpo avoided disaster and he’ll be able to help their team go for their second NBA Championship in the last four years.
Giannis Antetokounmpo did not suffer an Achilles injury but how long will he be out with his calf injury? Will he return for the playoffs? @ProFootballDoc shares his video analysis. #FearTheDeer
Watch: https://t.co/bxbPIXzNeM pic.twitter.com/Ej6BJyuTT0
— Sports Injury Central (@SICscore) April 10, 2024
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stats this season are as impressive as ever. He’s having another monster year, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 35.2 minutes over 73 NBA games.
Check the highlights from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career night!!! #FearTheDeer #NBA pic.twitter.com/j6T3k9JJH0
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 14, 2023
The Bucks have struggled as of late, they’ve lost six of their last eight NBA games, including disappointing setbacks against weak teams like the Wizards, Grizzlies, and Raptors, and last night’s win ended a four-game losing streak.
With the win, the Bucks are now 48-31 this season, but they’re just one game ahead of the Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference. They have three games left in the regular season.
It goes without saying that while the Bucks have a very talented team, even without Antetokounmpo, they won’t go far in the NBA playoffs unless he’s fully healthy, and playing at a high level. Only time will tell when he’ll be back and if he can be his usual self and lead the Bucks to a deep playoff run.
