Giannis Antetokounmpo sits after pregame knee issue; Bucks win

MIAMI — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Tuesday’s 106-103 win over the Warmth due to swelling in his left knee.

Antetokounmpo, who had been possible on the group’s damage report main as much as Tuesday’s recreation regardless of being listed with a calf pressure, went by way of shootaround Tuesday morning and did his pregame warmup routine earlier than he felt the discomfort in his knee.

Bucks coach Doc Rivers was advised about an hour earlier than the sport that Antetokounmpo was out, then huddled with coaches and adjusted the sport plan accordingly. Even after the sport, Rivers nonetheless wasn’t clear on what had occurred and what flared with Antetokounmpo’s knee.

“Giannis does not miss many video games,” Rivers stated. “No matter it’s, I am positive it was the appropriate factor to do.”

The Bucks don’t play once more till Saturday night time in Milwaukee, giving Antetokounmpo just a few days to recuperate earlier than their subsequent recreation.

Damian Lillard carried the load with Antetokounmpo sidelined, posting a game-high 37 factors and 12 assists.

“It is at all times going to be carried out by committee,” Lillard stated after the sport. “All people goes to should do some bit extra with such a gap in our lineup, however I do know guys are going to look to me to step up.”

Antetokounmpo has been on a tear this season, averaging a career-high 32.4 factors on 60.8% capturing to associate with 11.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He sat out his second recreation of the season; he additionally sat out in a 116-114 loss on Nov. 4 in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a proper adductor pressure.

Regardless of lacking their two-time MVP, the Bucks notched their fifth consecutive victory Tuesday, getting their file again to .500 (9-9) on the season. It is a main enchancment from the group’s disastrous 2-8 begin of the season.

“Being 2-8 and never feeling good about it, however our group staying collectively, persevering with to struggle the struggle and look ourselves within the mirror like, ‘What can we have to be higher about? What we have to change?’ We have carried out that,” Lillard stated.

“It is not one thing we’re taking a look at it and celebrating, but it surely’s the truth that we’re moving into the appropriate path by the way in which we’re enjoying. We’re beating good groups. We’re profitable at dwelling. We’re profitable on the highway, a recreation like tonight, with out Giannis. The best way we’re doing it’s sustainable, and it is displaying that we’re doing what we wished to be doing coming into the season.”