Giannis Antetokounmpo exited the Bucks’ playoff clash against the Heat in the first half on Sunday and did not return to the game. Milwaukee’s MVP hopeful suffered a lower back injury while absorbing contact from Kevin Love, who was attempting to take a charge, at the rim.
Despite initially remaining in the game, Antetokounmpo was seen heading to the locker room with the medical staff shortly before the end of the first quarter.
After the loss, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer indicated the team is going to monitor Antetokounmpo and see how he feels on Monday. For now, the 28-year-old underwent X-rays on the back injury, which Budenholzer said came back clean, per ESPN’s Jamal Collier.
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says Giannis Antetokounmpo had an X-ray that came back "clear"
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) April 17, 2023
"We’ll monitor him and see how he wakes up tomorrow"
“We’ll monitor him and see how he wakes up tomorrow,” Budenholzer said of Giannis.
Antetokounmpo played just 11 minutes during Milwaukee’s 130–117 loss against the Heat. He scored six points to go with three rebounds before the injury forced him to the sideline for the remainder of the game.
In his stead, Khris Middleton dropped 33 points and Jrue Holiday provided 16 points and 16 assists, but it wasn’t enough for the Bucks to overcome Jimmy Butler’s 35-point double-double.
Antetokounmpo will be up against the clock with Game 2 looming on Wednesday. They’ll be at home again for the second showdown of the series before heading out to Miami for Games 3 and 4.
