Bucks HC Mike Budenbolzer provides MASSIVE UPDATE about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury

Antetokounmpo’s X-ray shows no fracture or damage to his back after a scary fall in Game 1 against the Heat.

Bucks HC Mike Budenbolzer provides MASSIVE UPDATE about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury

Bucks' Giannis leave the game in second quarter after injury (Via Twitter)

The Milwaukee Bucks were holding their breath when Giannis Antetokounmpo went down hard in the second quarter of their Game 1 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday. The two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year was driving to the rim when Kevin Love slid under him and caused him to land on his lower back.

Antetokounmpo grimaced in pain and had to be escorted to the locker room by his teammates. He did not return to the game, which the Bucks lost 130-117. The Heat took a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmI7SqVaeAc

But the Bucks got some encouraging news after the game. Coach Mike Budenholzer said that Antetokounmpo had an X-ray that showed no fracture or structural damage to his back. Budenholzer said that they will see how Antetokounmpo feels tomorrow, but he was hopeful that he will be ready for Game 2.

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“He’s a tough guy. He’s a competitor. He wants to be out there with his teammates,” Budenholzer said. “We’ll see how he responds overnight and tomorrow, but I think there’s a lot of positives.”

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How will Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury affect the series?

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Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after a basket (Via Twitter)

Antetokounmpo’s injury is a major concern for the Bucks, as they face a tough opponent in the Heat, who eliminated them in five games in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The Heat have a balanced and deep team, led by Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry. They also have a strong defensive scheme that can limit Antetokounmpo’s effectiveness by building a wall around the paint and forcing him to shoot from outside.

The Bucks need Antetokounmpo to be healthy and aggressive, as he is their best scorer, rebounder, and defender. He also creates opportunities for his teammates, such as Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez, who can space the floor with their shooting. Antetokounmpo’s presence also puts pressure on the Heat’s defense and draws fouls from their big men.

If Antetokounmpo misses any games or plays at less than 100%, the Bucks will have a hard time keeping up with the Heat’s offense and defense. They will need Middleton and Holiday to step up and carry more of the scoring load, and they will need their bench players, such as Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, and Bryn Forbes, to provide some spark.

The Bucks are hoping that Antetokounmpo’s injury is not serious and that he can bounce back quickly. They cannot afford to fall behind 0-2 in the series, as that would put them in a huge hole. They need their superstar to lead them to a win in Game 2 and even the series.

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