Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Has No Timetable to Return from Knee Injury
Apr 11, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo watches from the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Friday, April 9, 2021, in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo didn't play because of an injury. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss an indefinite amount of time with a knee injury, head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters Sunday.
Budenholzer, on Giannis Antetokounmpo: "He did some stuff at shootaround, so I think he's in a good place and making progress, but won't play tonight."
Me: Do you have a timetable for Antetokounmpo's return? Budenholzer: No.
The 26-year-old went is experiencing left knee soreness and is taking his time to ensure he recovers properly.
The two-time reigning MVP has stayed largely healthy throughout his career. He's intermittently missed time this season, most recently because of a nagging knee injury, but nothing has kept him on the shelf for a significant period.
The Bucks have been lucky in that regard, as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant and several other notable players have missed extended time for their teams.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 45 games this season.
Report: Bucks' Khris Middleton to Be Named Part-Owner of NBL's Brisbane Bullets
Apr 9, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton brings the ball up against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton will reportedly become a part-owner of the Brisbane Bullets in Australia's NBL, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
The ownership group is led by former NBA guard Kevin Martin and also features Chicago Bulls veteran Thaddeus Young, per Stein.
It has become a trend for NBA players to invest in teams in this league. John Wall purchased a stake in the South East Melbourne Phoenix in November, joining Zach Randolph, Al Harrington, Josh Childress and Melbourne's Dante Exum. Victor Oladipo also owns a stake in the New Zealand Breakers.
It represents a lot of faith in the league that featured LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton last season before they entered the NBA.
Middleton is also getting valued investments after earning a five-year, $177.5 million extension in 2019.
The two-time All-Star is in his ninth season in the NBA, currently averaging 20.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
Stephen Curry Drops 41 as Warriors Beat Bucks with Giannis Injured
Apr 7, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 6: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 6, 2021 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Stephen Curry scored 41 points as the Golden State Warriors upset the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 122-121 on Tuesday at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Bucks were without reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined with left knee soreness.
Kelly Oubre Jr. hit a pair of free throws to give the Dubs a one-point edge with 7.7 seconds left.
Golden State's defense then came up big as Andrew Wiggins blocked Khris Middleton's game-winning three-point shot attempt with 3.7 seconds remaining.
Bucks guard Pat Connaughton got the offensive rebound but missed his shot attempt.
The 32-18 Bucks now sit third in the Eastern Conference and fell 2.5 games behind the 35-16 Brooklyn Nets, who lead the East. The 24-27 Warriors broke a three-game losing streak.
Notable Performances
Bucks G/F Khris Middleton: 28 points, 7 assists
Bucks G Jrue Holiday: 29 points, 5 assists
Bucks F Bobby Portis: 13 points, 13 rebounds
Warriors PG Stephen Curry: 41 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Warriors SG Kelly Oubre Jr.: 19 points, 6 rebounds
Warriors C James Wiseman: 13 points, 10 rebounds
Curry Wills Warriors to Win
The Warriors may have entered this game as losers of seven of their last eight, but Curry appears determined to put Golden State on a winning path en route to a potential playoff berth.
He was simply sensational for the Warriors, scoring his 41 points on 14-of-21 shooting (5-of-10 from three-point range).
The point guard's efforts helped rookie big man James Wiseman have a big first half (11 points, 10 rebounds). He found Wiseman early for a dunk:
He later added a three-pointer with time winding down in the third quarter to give himself 19 points in the frame and 30 points before the fourth. Plus, Curry made history along the way:
With this trey, Steph is now the ONLY player in @NBA history to have eight seasons with 200+ made threes 👌 pic.twitter.com/lbuhBLezGD
Curry stayed invincible in the fourth, nailing a deep three-pointer to bring the Warriors within two points despite seven-foot center Brook Lopez flying at him:
The 12-year NBA veteran then gave the Warriors some much-needed insurance by hitting a 21-foot two-pointer to give Golden State a 120-117 advantage.
Milwaukee then responded with a pair of Khris Middleton free throws and a Jrue Holiday bucket, but Oubre's free throws put the Warriors over the top.
Ultimately, it was Curry who put the Warriors in position for the win as they look to stay in the top 10 in the West.
Bucks Blow Big Lead Sans Giannis
The storylines for this game appeared to be written with four minutes left in the fourth quarter.
First, Khris Middleton scored 14 of the Bucks' 38 third-quarter points to give Milwaukee a five-point edge going into the final 12 minutes. Then Jrue Holiday added his name into the mix with back-to-back threes to give the Bucks a 116-106 lead with four minutes remaining.
At that point, a win appeared to be a formality, with credit going to Middleton and Holiday for carrying the offense in Antetokounmpo's absence.
But then everything that could go wrong did for the Bucks.
Milwaukee proceeded to finish the game shooting 1-of-7 with one turnover. Meanwhile, the Warriors made six field goals (three from Curry, one each from Oubre, Bazemore and Wiggins) to help propel themselves into the lead.
The Bazemore layup was a heartbreaker in particular, as the ball hung on the back rim and appeared to be falling out before dropping into the hoop:
Credit to the Bucks for fighting back and taking the late one-point lead, but it wasn't meant to be with Oubre hitting the final two free throws and Wiggins coming up big on the other end.
Despite missing Antetokounmpo, this is a tough loss to swallow for the Bucks, especially considering that they had a 10-point lead with under four minutes remaining.
They have an outside chance at obtaining the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed, and a win would have pulled them to 1.5 games back of Brooklyn for first.
Instead, the Bucks' path just got harder after a tough four minutes down the stretch.
What's Next?
The Warriors will host the Washington Wizards on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. Milwaukee will visit the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday at 9 p.m. in American Airlines Center.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Jokes He Does 'Bitcoin' for a Living in TikTok Video
Apr 5, 2021
PORTLAND, OREGON - APRIL 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on April 02, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a long basketball career ahead of him, but he could have his post-NBA plans sorted.
The Milwaukee Bucks star was approached by TikTok user @itsdanielmac, who was intrigued by the Rolls Royce he was riding in and didn't seem to recognize the two-time MVP. He asked him what he does for a living, and Antetokounmpo didn't exactly answer honestly:
Giannis' brother Thanasis, who also plays for the Bucks, told at least part of the truth, though.
"No man, we just work hard," he said.
Jrue Holiday, Bucks Agree to 4-Year Contract Extension Worth Up to $160M
Apr 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston CelticsWednesday, March 24, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks and guard Jrue Holiday agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $160 million Sunday.
Holiday's agent, Jason Glushon, revealed the news to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. The deal could tie Holiday and the Bucks together through the 2024-25 season; Charania noted the final year of the contract is a player option.
An extension is the logical culmination of the Bucks' all-in trade for Holiday this offseason. Milwaukee traded Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, the rights to R.J. Hampton, two future first-round picks and two pick swaps as part of a four-team deal that brought Holiday to Milwaukee in November.
The trade was polarizing at the time because it seemed like an extravagant haul for a player who has made only one All-Star appearance—all the way back in 2013. While Holiday is rightfully credited as one of the NBA's most underrated players, that type of draft-pick compensation is typically reserved for bona fide superstars.
Holiday has continued performing at a high level this season, averaging 17.0 points, 5.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds. He has seemed to kick his play into a higher gear over the last couple of weeks since recovering from COVID-19, scoring a season-high 33 points in Saturday's win over the Sacramento Kings.
There is no question Holiday makes the Bucks a more viable NBA championship threat than they were a year ago.
However, it remains to be seen if that bump is enough to put the Bucks over the top in the postseason after two straight years of frustrating exits. It's also fair to wonder how the extension will age, as it takes Holiday through his 35th birthday.
While his game does not necessarily rely on athleticism, a natural decline in athleticism is bound to take place and make him a less effective two-way player. If Holiday isn't quite an All-Star at age 30, it's fair to wonder how paying him $80-plus million will look on the Bucks' cap when he's 34 and 35.
All bets are off if the Bucks bring a title back to Milwaukee, but the team has pushed all of its chips to the center of the table with the Giannis Antetokounmpo-Khris Middleton-Holiday core in place for the foreseeable future.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Out for Bucks vs. Kings Because of Knee Injury
Apr 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio SpursSaturday, March 20, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
"Just understanding big picture, wanting him to feel as healthy and whole and everything as we go forward," Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters regarding Antetokounmpo's absence pregame.
"Tonight, with what he's feeling and everything that's happened over the last seven to 10 days, I think him not playing is the wise move."
The 26-year-old is once again putting up a monster season. Through 45 games, he's averaging 28.8 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 56.5 percent from the floor.
A third straight MVP award could still prove elusive nonetheless, due in no small part to voter fatigue. He set such a high standard in 2018-19 and 2019-20 that simply maintaining that level may not be enough to impress the people who have a say in the NBA's postseason honors.
However, the five-time All-Star might be happy to lose out in the MVP race if he helps the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971 in exchange.
Antetokounmpo's importance to Milwaukee goes without saying. As much as general manager Jon Horst has done to improve the supporting cast, the franchise will go as far as its best player can take it.
With that in mind, an injury to the Greek Freak isn't the worst thing in the world for the Bucks right now as long as he's good to go for the postseason.
Brandon Knight Reportedly Works Out for Bucks; Last Played for Pistons in 2020
Mar 28, 2021
Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Knight plays against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Detroit, Wednesday, March 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Knight's eight-year career has been marred by injuries and has seen the Kentucky product—the No. 8 pick by Detroit in 2011—play for five different teams.
Knight has reportedly "overcome knee issues and regained explosiveness," per Spears, and his progress was enough to pique the interest of the Bucks when they saw him work out in Miami earlier this season.
Through his brief time in the league last season, Knight averaged 7.3 points on 35.3 percent shooting and 2.8 assists per game.
An All-Rookie selection upon joining the Pistons in 2011, Knight showed promise at the start of his career, going on to average at least 17 points per game for three consecutive seasons, highlighted by a career-best season with the Phoenix Suns in 2015-16.
That year, Knight averaged 19.6 points on 41.5 percent shooting, with 5.1 assists per game.
He was never quite the same after returning fromACLsurgery that forced him to miss the 2017-18 season. After averaging double-digit points per game in every season of his career, Knight slowed down. He showed flashes of what came before in his nine outings in Detroit last season, with 11.6 points per game, but the teamreleasedhis free-agent rights in November to prioritize other offseason moves.
The Bucks have a pair of open roster spots, and guard Austin Rivers, who was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, is also reportedly among candidates to fill one of them, according toShamsCharania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Bucks' Rodions Kurucs Pleads Guilty to Disorderly Conduct After 2019 Arrest
Mar 22, 2021
Houston Rockets' Rodions Kurucs runs up the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 103-91. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Trevor Boyer and Graham Rayman of the New York Daily News reported in September 2019 that Kurucs had been arrested after allegedly choking and physically assaulting his then-girlfriend during an argument.
Under his plea agreement, the 23-year-old has to complete a 16-week domestic violence program, per Leung.
According to Boyer and Rayman, Kurucs initially faced charges of third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing. Court documents said Kurucs "pushed [the woman] on the bed, slapped her in the face twice, bit her lip and pushed her into the bed frame."
Kurucs' lawyer, Alex Spiro, said the woman didn't have any photographic evidence of the injuries she suffered and didn't file an official report until months after the incident occurred.
"As we said from the outset, this was a heated exchange, not a violent crime, which is why the matter has been resolved without a criminal finding or criminal record," Spiro said Monday, per Leung.
Kurucs was a member of the Brooklyn Nets at the time of his arrest. The Netsmoved himto the Houston Rockets as part of the four-team trade that landed them James Harden. The Rockets subsequentlydealt himto Milwaukee along with P.J. Tucker.
The 2018 second-round pick is averaging 1.0 point and 0.9 rebounds in 16 appearances this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruled out for Bucks vs. Pacers with Knee Injury
Mar 22, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo plays against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
He played 34 minutes in the Bucks' last game Saturday, finishing with 26 points and 15 assists in a win over the San Antonio Spurs.
The 26-year-old has mostly been able to avoid major injuries in his career but did miss one game earlier this season due to back spasms.
An ankle injury limited him in the playoffs last year, while he played just 63 of 73 possible regular-season games in 2019-20. However, the forward never missed more than 10 games in any of his first seven years in the NBA.
Keeping Antetokounmpohealthy is obviously key for Milwaukee considering the impact he makes on the court.
He won his second straight MVP Award last season after averaging 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game, adding the Defensive Player of the Year Award. He has followed it up this year with 29.0 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game as the Bucks try to live up to their lofty expectations.
Milwaukee will likely stay cautious with a player who signed a $228 million extension before the start of the season, but the squad will hope Antetokounmpo will be back to full strength before long.
Khris Middleton usually takes on a bigger offensive role with Giannis unavailable, while Bobby Portis can see more playing time in the frontcourt.
Bucks' Giannis: 'I Never Liked People Talking About Us, It Just Adds Pressure'
Mar 21, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to drive past San Antonio Spurs' Keldon Johnson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks are quietly climbing the Eastern Conference standings, having won 11 of their last 12 games. If you haven't noticed, back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't mind.
"We don't play for people to talk about us," he said, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN. "I kind of like it. I just want to be left alone. I never liked bright lights. I never liked people talking about us. It just adds pressure to me and my teammates to come in and do what we do."
"We're just gonna keep doing what we're doing," Antetokounmpo said. "We just keep enjoying each other and keep playing to win games and playing the right way."
