It may not have appeared that manner Sunday, however the Milwaukee Bucks have already proven this season they’ll have their manner with the Miami Heat even when Giannis Antetokounmpo just isn’t absolutely wholesome.
That is particularly significant in the mean time with the Bucks All-Star ahead coping with a again contusion and Milwaukee down 1-0 to Heat on this best-of-seven Eastern Conference opening spherical NBA playoff collection that continues Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Fiserv Forum.
On March 24, regardless of Antetokounmpo being misplaced 6:28 into the sport on account of a knee harm, the Bucks throttled the Heat 128-99.
Now, after falling 130-117 Sunday to the Heat, it could should once more be Antetokounmpo’s supporting solid stepping ahead in a similar way.
With 1:46 left in Sunday’s first quarter, Antetokounmpo landed arduous on his again after being known as for a charging foul, with Heat ahead Kevin Love absorbing the brunt of the hit. Antetokounmpo left the sport at that stage, heading instantly to the locker room. He briefly tried to return with 9:56 to play within the second interval, however was restricted to the purpose that he left for good with 8:33 left earlier than halftime, closing with six factors and three rebounds in 10:50. During the common season, Antetokounmpo averaged 31.1 factors and 11.8 rebounds.
“We have to wait and see what the doctors say,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned forward of Milwaukee’s Monday observe. “Most importantly, what Giannis says. Certainly, we’ve been blessed with him being incredibly resilient and quick to heal, but you’ve just got to take it day by day and see how he’s doing and see how he feels.”
Antetokounmpo missed the primary two video games of the four-game regular-season collection, with the Heat successful each of these January video games in Miami.
The Bucks went 11-8 in Antetokounmpo’s absence this season.
“We don’t want him to be hurt, but it’s still next-man-up mentality,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday mentioned. “We have enough talent on this team to cover for him until he comes back.”
Heat ahead Jimmy Butler cited the March loss to the Bucks for example of Milwaukee’s capabilities even with a diminished Antetokounmpo.
“Obviously, when you talk about an MVP caliber player in Giannis being out, it changes the dynamic of their team,” he mentioned. “But they’re still a very good team. I feel as though they beat us earlier in the year without Giannis, as well.”
Amid the Antetokounmpo uncertainty, the Heat’s Love mentioned nothing needs to be taken without any consideration.
“Understand that they’re still a very, very good team,” he mentioned. “They have the best overall record for a reason.”
So, no, no panic within the opposing locker room.
“It was Game 1,” Holiday mentioned. “It was a good game, and we’ll learn from it.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com