Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are facing off against the Atlanta Hawks in the ongoing Eastern Conference Finals. Given how both the teams defeated two of the favorites to conquer the East, this battle certainly is a battle of the underdogs.
Both the Bucks and the Hawks have gone blow for blow so far this series. After suffering from a shock loss courtesy of 48-point abomination by Trae Young, the Bucks made a resounding comeback in the next two games and led the series 2-1.
In the third game, the Hawks also saw talented guard Trae Young suffered from a foot injury. With all the chips down, the Hawks were expected to lose game 4, but with an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Hawks tied the series.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Given how awkward Giannis’ fall looked, Antetokounmpo looked like he was in for a scary injury. But miraculously, the ‘Greek Freak‘ did not suffer from any structural damage and any tear.
Despite not suffering from any long-term injury, Giannis missed game 5. While the 2-time MVP was missing from the lineup, the Bucks still managed to win game 5 and take a 3-2 lead. With Bucks leading the series, the next game could possibly be a closeout or a could also mean that the Hawks could equalise the series.
Giannis Antetokounmpo to miss game 6, might return for game 7 against Hawks
These playoffs have been dictated by injuries to star players and the Bucks are no different. Given how scary the injury looked, Milwaukee are being extra cautious of their star player’s health.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially been ruled out for Game 6 tonight vs. Atlanta, the Bucks say.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 3, 2021
With him playing and possibly there being a slight chance of re-aggravation, the Bucks have ruled out the ‘Greek Freak’ for game 6 against the Hawks. Given that the Bucks have a 3-2 lead in the series, game 6 is by no means a do or die game for them.
With Trae Young also struggling with an ankle injury and the Hawks supporting cast looking flat, the Bucks have a real chance to close this series out in six games. But if this series does go to a game 7, Bucks fans shouldn’t be worried.
There’s belief Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be given the green light for a potential Game 7 if Hawks avoid elimination in Game 6 on Saturday, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2021
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Bucks might give the green light to the 2-time MVP if the Conference Finals goes to seven games. This is certainly great news for the Bucks faithful and it indicates that his injury is minor.
Fans react to Giannis’ possible return to the lineup
Understandably Bucks fans were ecstatic to hear their favorite players’ reaction and also gave an idea about the severity of the injury.
Adam Silver: “Take out Giannis. We can’t have Milwaukee in the finals!”@Giannis_An34: pic.twitter.com/pXBKL4lk9e
— Bobby Tortoise (@BurnerBobbyP) July 3, 2021
WOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/QgQRKLXNTT
— Giannis Burner (@TheFreakBurner) July 2, 2021
your 2021 NBA Finals MVP pic.twitter.com/ACmT0kI6o7
— Ramos (@FaZeRamos) July 2, 2021
Yep, sounds about right. Read somewhere that the guys achilles is over a foot long, he’s simply not human 😂
— Braz (@David_Brazil_) July 3, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LETS FUCKING GO BABY WOOOOOOOOOOO
— yoshi || BUCKS CHAMPS 2021 (@_yoshi_1313) July 2, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Given the form they have shown, Milwaukee will hope that they close down the series as soon as possible. If they clinch the series in game 6, not only will it mean more rest to Giannis, it will also ensure more rest to the whole squad. Do you think the Bucks will close it down tonight or are we up for yet another game 7?