“Feels Like Something Snapped”: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Distressing Exit Triggers Shaquille O’Neal’s Painful Memory

The Milwaukee Bucks put an end to their four-game losing streak with a huge win against table-toppers Boston Celtics. However, the 13-point win came with a catch. The Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, quit the game with around four minutes left in the third quarter. He held his right leg as he was running down the court. The concerning part is that Antetokounmpo suffered an injury with no contact. Fans are praying for the 2021 champion, but they are confused at the same time. Anyhow, here is Dr. Shaquille O’Neal, who has thrown light on Antetokounmpo’s case. 

On Inside the NBA, Shaq shared, “Hopefully it’s a calf strain. I had a moment like that…Look, most of the people that have popped their Achilles tendon, it’s a non-contact thing. You are running and it feels like something snapped.” Co-host Adam Lefkoe added, “Like some kicked you in the back”. 

Looking back into history, non-contact injuries have turned into a nightmare for many. For example, Kevin Durant‘s injury against the Toronto Raptors in the 2018 NBA Finals. 

Antetokounmpo’s injury was similar, and Shaq’s revelation made it even more scary.

The Lakers legend continued on TNT, “I tore my Achilles in my last game of my career in Boston. I was just running like that”. In the 2010-2011 season, Shaq had initially damaged his Achilles when he was with the Boston Celtics and it kept him sidelined for two months. He returned to the team on April 3, 2011, but he once again injured his tendon. 

He was out for a month but came back for the playoffs. In game 3 of the Conference Semi-Finals against the Miami Heat, Shaq joined the squad to play for 12 minutes. He also played in game 4 for three minutes and called it quits from there. So Shaq knows how scary an Achilles injury can be. Let’s pray the Greek Feak escapes it. 

What did head coach Doc Rivers reveal about Giannis’ injury? 

Just like everyone, Rivers is also skeptical about the injury. In a video released by NBA on ESPN, Rivers admitted that Antetokounmpo will be out with a calf strain. However, for the safer side, he will also be tested for an Achilles tendon injury, which Shaq mentioned above. Rivers said there will be an MRI, and soon we all can know if the Bucks will him in the playoffs. 

Read more: Shaquille O’Neal Expresses Concern Over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks, Reveals Worrying Struggles

Giannis faced something similar in last year’s playoffs too. In the first round against the Miami Heat, he got injured in game 1, just six minutes into the game. He did play game 2 and game 3, which helped the Heat to take a 2-1 lead. Even though the 2x MVP returned for games 4 and 5, the Heat used the momentum to eliminate the Bucks. It looks like history is repeating, but let’s pray for the best!

Read more: Kevin Durant Reflects on the “Nerve-Racking” Moment He Thought His Career Was Almost Over