Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed that he could only run at about half his normal speed as he attempted to return for the Milwaukee Bucks’ final playoff matches before their early exit.
Antetokounmpo suffered a strained left calf during a victory over the Boston Celtics on April 9 and was unable to play again.
“It wasn’t safe for me to be on the court because I couldn’t run at full speed,” Antetokounmpo explained on Friday, following Milwaukee’s 120-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6, which marked the end of their season.
“I could only run at about 30-40%. Even now, I can’t run at full speed. It might take me a few days, weeks, or even months to get back to where I need to be.”
This is the second consecutive season that Milwaukee has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, with their two-time MVP being hampered by injuries. Last year, Antetokounmpo missed 2½ games in Milwaukee’s 4-1 loss to the Miami Heat due to a bruised lower back.
Antetokounmpo hinted at the possibility of adjusting his offseason training routine or even modifying his style of play in an effort to avoid injuries. “I need to be a bit lucky,” Antetokounmpo stated. “I need to be cautious. Maybe I have to change my game, how I play.
There are many things. I’m ready to do whatever it takes for me to be on the court and not let my teammates down.” Antetokounmpo has a history of quickly recovering from injuries.
A significant example was in 2021 when he missed the last two games of the Eastern Conference finals due to a hyperextended knee but played all NBA Finals games and scored 50 points in a crucial Game 6 win against the Phoenix Suns, securing the title.
However, this injury was different. For one, Antetokounmpo believed it was his first injury without contact. He was running on the court that evening of April 9 when he suddenly sat down and grabbed his left leg.
Antetokounmpo realized he wasn’t recovering as swiftly as usual. Although he woke up determined to play, his body disagreed when he hit the court.
“It’s the first time this has happened in my career,” Antetokounmpo mentioned. Assessing the Bucks’ playoff performance is challenging due to their injuries.
Not only did Antetokounmpo miss the entire series, but Damian Lillard missed two games due to an Achilles issue, and Khris Middleton played throughout despite a sprained ankle.
Most of the Bucks’ important players are in their 30s, and Antetokounmpo will turn 30 on Dec. 6. However, Bucks coach Doc Rivers believes this team still has the core to compete for many years.
“I have faith in this team,” Rivers stated. “I think we still have a good chance. But we need to make the right moves, and this summer is crucial.”
Milwaukee’s early exit from the playoffs came after a mixed regular season where they didn’t consistently play like championship contenders, despite high expectations.
After last year’s playoff disappointment, the Bucks changed coaches and acquired Lillard before the start of the season. They had even higher hopes when they replaced Adrian Griffin mid-season, despite a solid record.
However, they still faced another early playoff exit. Under Rivers, the Bucks had a mixed record, winning 19 games and losing 23, including the playoffs.
One issue was the team’s health. Their top three players – Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Middleton – were available together for only five of their last 39 games, including the playoffs.
The Bucks hope spending more time together next year will be helpful. Antetokounmpo mentioned he plans to visit Lillard in Oregon during the summer.
They also believe a calmer offseason could be beneficial. Last year, they acquired Lillard just a week before training camp started.
“After Game 6, I reflected on my performance and realized there’s room for improvement,” Lillard said. “Having a full season with the coach and knowing my teammates better will be beneficial. I feel settled in Milwaukee now.”
However, injuries could still be a problem. “We need to find a way to stay healthy,” Antetokounmpo emphasized. “We need to ask ourselves if we can stay on the court together. Having Dame, Giannis, and Khris sounds great, but history has shown there are times we’re not all playing together.”
