The Milwaukee Bucks appeared like a unique staff the second Giannis Antetokounmpo stepped again onto the ground.
After lacking greater than three weeks with a proper calf damage, Antetokounmpo returned to the beginning lineup on Saturday and wasted no time making an impression. The 2-time MVP scored a sport excessive 29 factors on 10 of 15 taking pictures, main Milwaukee to a 112-103 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Antetokounmpo had been sidelined since Dec. 3, when he suffered a calf pressure early in a win over the Detroit Pistons. Throughout his absence, the Bucks struggled, going 2-6 and slipping to eleventh within the Jap Convention.
The Bucks confirmed Antetokounmpo’s availability shortly earlier than tipoff, and his presence was felt instantly. He entered Saturday averaging 28.9 factors, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per sport, and his return supplied a a lot wanted increase for a staff trying to find momentum.
Milwaukee now sits at 12-19, simply 5 video games behind the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, and 5½ video games again of the Toronto Raptors for fourth place within the East.
ESPN reported earlier than the season that the Bucks and New York Knicks mentioned Antetokounmpo in commerce talks in August, although nothing materialized. The hypothesis has solely intensified since.
“That is essentially the most I’ve been ever talked about in my profession,” Antetokounmpo stated in mid-December.
“I’m in my home with my youngsters and all that and I’m opening the TV and it’s like, ‘Oh, Giannis goes to the Memphis Grizzlies,’ or ‘Giannis goes to the Detroit Pistons.’ Which, hey man, I’m not going to lie, I’m the most well liked chick within the sport proper now. No, I’m joking.”
This isn’t the primary time damage has stored Antetokounmpo out of sport. His 2023-24 season ended early on account of a calf pressure that compelled him to overlook the ultimate three regular-season video games and the Bucks’ total first-round playoff sequence towards the Indiana Pacers.
