Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Absence, Milwaukee Bucks Thrive in Postseason Play

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been absent from the Milwaukee Bucks’ Eastern Conference playoff series against the Indiana Pacers due to a lingering left calf strain. This injury has caused him to miss Game 1 and the last three regular-season games, as well. Despite his absence, the team has managed a 6-5 record in matches where Antetokounmpo was absent this season.

In an April 9 game against the Boston Celtics, Antetokounmpo suffered the calf strain while struggling to run up the court in the third quarter. Since then, he has not played in any games. The Bucks have played without their star forward, but they have managed to make it work with Damian Lillard stepping up and scoring an impressive 35 points in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Pacers.

Antetokounmpo has a history of dealing with injuries during postseasons. In 2020, he missed the final 1 1/2 games of a second-round loss against Miami due to a sprained ankle. He also sat out the last two games of the 2021 Eastern Conference finals because of a hyperextended knee but made a triumphant return to lead his team to their first championship in 50 years. Last year, he faced another setback with a bruised lower back that caused him to miss Game 1 and two following games in their first-round loss to Miami. Despite these setbacks, Antetokounmpo’s resilience shone through as he was named Finals MVP after scoring an incredible 50 points in a title-clinching Game 6 victory over Phoenix Suns.

Antetokounmpo is currently getting closer to returning as he was seen shooting and practicing on the court before Game