Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo thought his season was over after knee injury
The Milwaukee Bucks failed to grab a Game 1 win over the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals but had star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo back in the mix.
Antetokounmpo’s return to the lineup came only a week after suffering a hyperextended left knee in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. Following Tuesday’s contest, the two-time league MVP voiced that he thought his season was over after the injury.
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Since then, he worked tirelessly to prepare his body to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
“It was tough,” Antetokounmpo said via ESPN, describing what he went through over the past week to return to the court. “Obviously I had to do my best to get back. Listen to my medical staff. I did the right treatment. Took care of my body and supported my teammates, and now I’m back.”
Antetokounmpo’s performed quite well in his first game back as he recorded 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 35 minutes played. The Bucks will need strong production from the star forward if they hope to secure the NBA title.
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The Suns guided forward to a comfortable series-opening win behind the play of their star guards. Milwaukee had no answer to slowing down Paul, who had a game-high 32 points along with nine assists.
The Bucks need a collective effort alongside Antetokounmpo, with Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton providing consistent production. Milwaukee faces a stiff challenge against a highly motivated Suns team looking to capture its first NBA title.
