Antetokounmpo returns but Suns still scorch Bucks
Phoenix, Wednesday
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo made his much-awaited return from a hyperextended left knee, but he couldn’t lift the Milwaukee Bucks over Phoenix in the NBA Finals opener.
The 26-year-old Greek forward, who missed two games after suffering the injury last week, scored 20 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for the Bucks in a 118-105 road loss in the best-of-seven championship series.
“I can run. I can jump. I can set screens. I can rebound the ball. I’m happy I’m out there,” Antetokounmpo said. “I was worried I’d be out for a year. Two games and I’m back. I’m happy.”
It was a game-time decision to have Antetokounmpo in the starting lineup after a light pre-game shootaround.
“He had a good workout before the game,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I think you’ve got to listen to Giannis first. He felt good.
“He was cleared and he wanted to go and everybody was on the same page. It’s just a credit to him and just the work he puts in.
For him to be back playing in game one, it’s really impressive what he did.”
Antetokounmpo said his rehabilitation efforts were 24 hours a day for a week, from weightlifting to treatment and elevating his leg.
“It wasn’t easy but I was willing to do it and the medical staff had a great program for me to recover and not have a lot of swelling,” he said.
“I’m just happy I’m able to help my teammates in any way possible and participate in my first NBA Finals and put my attention on that and not if my knee hurts.”
Bucks teammate Khris Middleton knew it hurt during he rehab work.
“We know he’s giving it his all. He has been on a crazy rehab schedule. We know that’s not easy, especially the injury that he had.
“He did say it hurt, it hurt a lot. But he still found a way to get over it, play through a little bit of pain and fight for it. It’s great.
“I don’t think he’s fully 100% but he’s close to it to go out and play and give it his all.
He looked pretty good driving guys, playing through contact, dunking some, jumping, running, springing, whatever.”
