Woj: Giannis to Return from COVID-19 for Bucks vs. Celtics Christmas Game
Dec 25, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will reportedly make his return from the NBA's health and safety protocols for Saturday's clash with the Boston Celtics.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Giannis is expected to return to the starting lineup after "a strong workout" on Friday and will suit up barring a late setback.
Antetokounmpo was placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols on Dec. 14. ESPN's Zach Lowe reported on Dec. 24 that the two-time MVP cleared protocols. He missed a total of 10 days.
The 27-year-old is having another MVP-caliber season, averaging 27.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. It's the fifth consecutive season that Antetokounmpo has averaged over 25 points and 10 rebounds.
Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee to its first NBA title in 50 years last season. He was unanimously named Finals MVP after averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks.
The Bucks have a record of 21-13, which ranks third in the Eastern Conference. Saturday's Christmas tilt with the Celtics is scheduled to tip off at 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Enters Health and Safety Protocols, Out vs. Pacers
Dec 15, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball upcourt during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without their best player for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols Tuesday and will miss the contest. Antetokounmpo previously told reporters he was vaccinated against COVID-19, so he will, in theory, face an easier path to eventually return to the court.
Later Tuesday, teammate Donte DiVincienzo also entered the protocols, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
As concerns about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 dominate headlines, sports have been far from immune from pandemic-related setbacks of late.
The NBA postponed multiple Chicago Bulls games with 10 players entering health and safety protocols, and the NHL announced Calgary Flames games were postponed through at least Thursday with six players and one staff member entering protocols.
What's more, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday the NFL saw 75 players test positive in the last two days alone.
Multiple executives around the NBA told ESPN's Baxter Holmes they expect positive cases to increase around the holidays as players and team employees gather indoors. One Western Conference general manager said "most of us consider it a matter of when, not if" the Omicron variant will spread through the league.
As for the Bucks, losing Antetokounmpo for any amount of time would clearly be a significant setback given his overall importance to the team.
The two-time MVP is averaging 27.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season for the reigning champions. His individual brilliance is a major reason the Bucks are on the short list of realistic championship contenders again in 2021-22.
Milwaukee did at least receive some positive news Tuesday.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported Khris Middleton is questionable for Wednesday's game because of a hyperextended left knee following "a favorable review of the injury." He will likely be the go-to option with Giannis sidelined if he is able to play.
Jayson Tatum Goes Off for 42 Points as Celtics Top Giannis, Bucks to Snap 3-Game Skid
Dec 14, 2021
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 13, 2021 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics ended a three-game losing skid with a 117-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on Monday. Jayson Tatum had a season-high 42 points as Boston got back to .500 at 14-14.
In his first game back from a five-game absence, Celtics forward Jaylen Brown scored 19 points. Grant Williams added 17 off the bench.
After going 1-4 on their most recent road trip, some home cooking was exactly what the Celtics needed. Boston is now 7-4 on its home floor.
The Bucks fell to 18-11 and are 9-7 on the road this season. It's just their third loss in their last 15 games. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday led Milwaukee with 20 points apiece.
Notable Player Stats
F Jayson Tatum, BOS: 42 points (7-of-13 3-pt FG)
F Jaylen Brown, BOS: 19 points
F Grant Williams, BOS: 17 points (5-of-7 3-pt FG) off bench
F Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL: 20 points, 8 rebounds
G Jrue Holiday, MIL: 20 points, 8 assists
Brown's Return Makes Tatum's Life Easier
With Brown back, Monday's game was a display of what the Celtics offense has hoped to look like all season. Tatum clearly enjoyed the return of his running mate, as he was able to get easy shots over smaller defenders all night.
Brown went to the bench with an apparent knee injury early, and the Celtics fell behind by as many as 12. But things turned around quickly when he got back onto the floor.
Together, Tatum and Brown helped erase the deficit to pull ahead by as many as 11 in the third quarter.
Jaylen Brown looks better than the last time he tried to come back from the hamstring. That was a great sequence there, flying over for the block then hitting a tough fadeaway at the other end.
The Celtics also seemed to play with better energy on defense while Brown was on the floor. His length and activity created problems for Milwaukee as he was constantly jumping in passing lanes, and his teammates followed his example.
Tatum was more efficient with a reliable secondary scorer next to him. In his previous two games, Tatum attempted more than 20 field goals and shot under 50 percent both times. On Monday, he shot 16-of-25.
Jayson Tatum has set a season high with seven made 3-pointers. He has set a season high with 42 points. This was his shot chart before his last attempt, which also went in. Pretty efficient. pic.twitter.com/Dj3gEc8xSp
Boston certainly hopes the team can stay healthy for the rest of the season. Monday's win showed that the Celtics can compete with the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Brown's return could be the catalyst to Boston turning its season around.
Bucks' Stars Stifled by Celtics Defense
When Milwaukee took a 12-point lead early in the second quarter, it looked as though the team would roll to its third consecutive victory.
The Bucks opened up the game by making 17 of their first 27 shots but went cold after that, largely thanks to Boston's defense turning up. The Celtics were able to keep Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton in check, as they combined for just 11 points in the first half.
A pair of veterans spearheaded Boston's defense, as center Al Horford was particularly effective in his defense on Antetokounmpo, while Marcus Smart locked up Middleton.
Marcus Smart is doing a great job denying Middleton. Al Horford has been awesome on Giannis. C's are holding them to a combined 11 points. Problem is they're still behind, which is not ideal
The only one out of Milwaukee's Big Three to play effectively was Holiday, who scored all 20 of his points in the first three quarters. With two of its stars struggling, Milwaukee fell behind in the third quarter and had a hard time climbing back.
Celtics up by 8, their largest lead.
They've outscored the Bucks 33-15 in the last 12:50.
Milwaukee started 16 of 27, they're 6 of 22 since.
Things got worse when Middleton hobbled off the floor and was ruled out for the game after hyperextending his left knee near the end of the third. He finished the game with four points on 2-of-8 shooting.
The Bucks got the deficit down to nine in the fourth quarter, but they failed to get any closer.
Monday's game should cause some concern for Milwaukee. The Bucks will have to figure out the status of Middleton going forward. But the team also has to address the lack of energy and effort against a Boston team that has been middling up to this point.
What's Next?
The Celtics will enjoy a few days off before hosting the Golden State Warriors on Friday. The Bucks will look to bounce back Wednesday at home against the Indiana Pacers.
Khris Middleton Ruled Out of Bucks vs. Celtics After Suffering Knee Injury
Dec 14, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 19: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a free throw against the Brooklyn Nets during the season opener at the Fiserv Forum on October 19, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton exited Monday's contest against the Boston Celtics because of a hyperextended left knee.
After the game, Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters there were positive indications and that the initial belief is that it won't be a serious injury.
"We’ll know more tomorrow, but I think there’s some hope that it’s not serious," Budenholzer said, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "But you’ve got to weigh it and give it time."
Middleton had four points (2-of-8 shooting) and eight rebounds in 24 minutes prior to exiting.
Middleton put together another strong regular season in 2020-21. He averaged 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists and shot 41.4 percent from three-point range.
Still, questions remained as to whether the Bucks could win a title while counting on the two-time All-Star to be the No. 2 scoring option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee made a big bet when it signed him to a five-year, $177.5 million extension.
Middleton delivered when it mattered, as he put up 23.6 points per game during the Bucks' championship run. He also had seven double-doubles to help get the team to the NBA Finals.
The Bucks did little in the offseason because a roster reshuffle was unnecessary after last summer's triumph. They have the pieces to once again be a top contender to win the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee is strong enough to weather Middleton's absence for a few games in the regular season. An injury to the 30-year-old will only pose a problem if his availability is jeopardized ahead of the playoffs.
Caleb Martin Drops 28 as Heat Beat Giannis, Bucks Without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo
Dec 9, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 127-125. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
No Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo, against a red-hot Milwaukee Bucks team that had won 10 of its last 11 games?
No problem.
The Miami Heat stunned the Bucks on Wednesday night, 113-104, without their two best players in action.
Instead, they were led by Caleb Martin's career night, 16 fourth-quarter points from Max Strus and a vintage defensive performance, limiting Giannis Antetokounmpo to just 15 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field.
The fear coming into the game was that the Heat might languish on the offensive end without Butler and Adebayo. The former re-aggravated a tailbone injury Monday, which ruled him out for the Bucks game Wednesday. The latter is out four to six weeks after having surgery this week on a torn ligament in his right thumb.
Instead, the Heat moved to 15-11 on the season and now lead the season series over the Bucks, 2-1, getting some revenge for Saturday's 124-102 loss to them. Milwaukee dropped to 16-10 on the year.
Key Stats
Kyle Lowry, MIA: 22 points, 13 assists
Caleb Martin, MIA: 28 points, eight rebounds
Max Strus, MIA: 16 points, 4-of-7 from three
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL: 15 points, six rebounds, four assists
Jrue Holiday, MIL: 27 points, four assists
Khris Middleton, MIL: 20 points
Caleb Martin Had Himself a Night
When a team is missing two stars, there has to be a role player who steps up in a major way to pick up the slack. Martin was that man Wednesday.
He's been picking up steam of late. Coming into Wednesday night, he had averaged a solid 12 points per game in his last five contests, well over his average (6.7 PPG) this season. He continued his surprising ascension against the Bucks, serving as a solid running mate for Lowry while setting a career-high in the process.
The 26-year-old Martin has been a role player to this point in his career, and once Butler returns, he'll likely see his minutes decrease. But he's certainly making a strong case to be a regular contributor for the Heat going forward.
Jrue Holiday Was Efficiency Personified
Antetokounmpo had a subdued offensive night, at least by his standards, against a Miami team that also plays him tough and has a solid defensive plan to slow him down. And Middleton struggled to get his shot to fall consistently.
So Holiday handled the heavy lifting on the offensive end instead and did so while shooting a clean 12-of-17 from the field.
Jrue Holiday drops 13 PTS in the third quarter and has 24 for the game!@Bucks and Heat head into Q4 on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/LabNFJ8VJg
Holiday is generally Milwaukee's third offensive option behind Antetokounmpo and Middleton. But without his solid performance Wednesday, this game would have gotten ugly.
What's Next?
Milwaukee travels to Houston to face the Rockets on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. The Heat will host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
NBA Rumors: Former Lakers SG Wesley Matthews to Sign Contract with Bucks
Dec 3, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews (9) passes the ball during Game 6 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, Jun 3, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Wesley Matthews is on the move.
The Milwaukee Bucks signed the guard on Friday, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic. Terms were not immediately disclosed.
This comes after the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a one-year deal for the 2020-21 season, and he helped them reach the Western Conference Finals.
Matthews did not have an NBA home to start the 2021-22 campaign, but he'll now return to Milwaukee, where he started 67 games during the 2019-20 season.
The undrafted free agent out of Marquette has been in the league since 2009-10 and has played for the Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Bucks and Lakers throughout his career.
While Matthews played five years with Portland and into a fourth with Dallas, he has been something of a journeyman of late. He split time with three different teams in 2018-19 and then played just one season with the Bucks and one with the Lakers.
That pattern remains the same with this deal.
Matthews was an important scorer during his prime and averaged double-digit points per game in nine straight seasons from 2010-11 through 2018-19, including when he poured in a career-best 16.4 points per night in 2013-14 for Portland.
However, he averaged just 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds across 58 games for the Lakers in 2020-21 while shooting 35.3 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from three-point range. The shooting numbers were significant drops for someone who has shot 42.1 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep in his career.
The 35-year-old Matthews is past his prime, but he still brings veteran leadership and plenty of playoff experience with 52 postseason games on his resume.
He's also been a solid defender even in 2020-21, when opponents shot 2.8 percent worse overall and 4.0 percent worse from three-point range than their normal averages when he defended them, per NBA.com.
If he can bring defense and shooting for spurts off the bench and remain an experienced presence on the roster, Matthews can carve out a role for the 2021-22 Bucks.
Giannis Ruled out for Bucks' Game vs. Raptors with Calf Injury
Dec 3, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo plays during an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis
Antetokounmpo was scratched from his team's game against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday with right calf soreness, per Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Antetokounmpo went through his usual pregame routine, per Owczarski, but the Bucks ruled him out before tipoff. Pat Connaughton took his place in the starting five.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP, is
putting together another strong season for the Bucks. He's averaged
27.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.7 blocks across 21 appearances as the team has looked to defend its 2021
championship.
The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone
missed his first game of the 2021-22 season on Nov. 12 when he sat out a
clash with the Boston Celtics because of an ankle injury.
Antetokounmpo was one of the NBA's most
durable players over his first five seasons, sitting out just 17
games combined. He's missed more time in recent years but mostly because of a variety of minor ailments.
Antetokounmpo is crucial to the Bucks'
success, so it's no surprise the team has used a conservative
approach with his recovery from injuries over the past few seasons.
That trend will likely continue, though any absence does
significantly reduce the team's upside.
Bucks' Brook Lopez Underwent Surgery on Back Injury; Out Indefinitely
Dec 2, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 10: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during a preseason game at Fiserv Forum on October 10, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery on a back injury that has ailed him nearly the entire 2021-22 season.
The 33-year-old was injured in the Bucks' season-opening win over the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game for the Bucks last season. His evolution as a perimeter threat took a slight step back, however, as he shot just 33.8 percent from three when compared to his career-best 36.5 from 2018-19.
Lopez has largely stayed injury-free in his career, playing in 70 or more games in 10 of his 13 seasons (including the 68 he played in the COVID-19-shortened 2019-20 campaign).
The 7-footer offers a dynamic the Bucks need—a big man who can stretch the floor while playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. While Milwaukee doesn't have the most athletic frontcourt with Lopez on the court, his ability to protect the rim (1.8 blocks per game in his career) has also been a plus.
And his loss undoubtedly takes away a dimension from Milwaukee's offense. While he remains out, the Bucks will be forced to continue to experiment with smaller lineups.
Giannis on Game-Winning Layup vs. Hornets: I'm Getting Old So I Have to Be Sneaky
Dec 2, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 127-125. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had some jokes following his game-winning layup in the Bucks' thrilling 127-125 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
According to ESPN's Jamal Collier, Giannis said the following regarding his decision to go with a finger roll: "If you just go normal, most likely you're going to get blocked, so you've got to be sneaky with it. I'm getting old. I'm not able to dunk on people anymore, so I've got to be sneaky."
With just seconds remaining in regulation and the score tied 125, Antetokounmpo drove to the net and converted the layup with two seconds left:
A desperation three-point heave nearly went down for Charlotte before ultimately rimming out, securing the win for Milwaukee.
The layup capped a huge performance for Giannis, who scored a game-high 40 points to go with 12 rebounds and nine assists in a near-triple-double. He was also efficient, making 15 of his 24 field goal attempts and nine of his 13 free throws.
There was a great deal of excitement entering Wednesday's game given the fact that the Bucks are the defending NBA champions and the Hornets are the highest-scoring team in basketball, and neither side disappointed.
Second-year rising star LaMelo Ball went blow for blow with Giannis throughout the game, finishing with 36 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals.
The Bucks got off to an uneven start this season, which led to some questions about a potential NBA Finals hangover, but the reigning champs have undoubtedly hit their stride.
With Wednesday's win, the Bucks have now reeled off eight consecutive victories, and their 14-8 record has them tied for second in the Eastern Conference with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.
Meanwhile, Ball and the Hornets fell to 13-11, which has them ninth in the conference, although they are just percentage points behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics.
Despite only being 26 years of age—he'll be 27 on December 6—Giannis is already a nine-year NBA veteran with two NBA MVP awards and an NBA Finals MVP award to his credit.
With averages of 27.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season, Antetokounmpo is very much in contention for MVP honors once again.
DeMarcus Cousins, Bucks Reportedly Agree to 1-Year, Non-Guaranteed Contract
Nov 28, 2021
Los Angeles Clippers center DeMarcus Cousins asks for a foul call agains the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game 6 of the NBA basketball Western Conference Finals Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
DeMarcus Cousins and the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Last year, the 31-year-old averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 12.9 minutes over 16 games for the Los Angeles Clippers, who signed the free agent to an initial 10-day contract on April 5.
He landed a second 10-day contract on April 16 before agreeing to spend the rest of the season with the team on April 26.
The Clips added the 6'10", 270-pounder for big man depth during Serge Ibaka's extended time away from the team because of back injuries that plagued him all season and eventually forced him to shut down his campaign.
Cousins gave the versatile Clips another option down low, splitting time with traditional big man Ivica Zubac as well as Nicolas Batum if L.A. decided to go small.
The four-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player has played for the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Clippers. He also signed with the Los Angeles Lakers but never took the court for the Purple and Gold after suffering a torn ACL during a preseason workout.
The productive Cousins dominated the hardwood from 2014-2018, averaging 25.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. However, serious injuries (e.g., ruptured left Achilles tendon, a torn left quadriceps and a torn ACL) have kept him off the court for extended periods of time for the last few years.
Cousins' days of starting and playing 34 minutes per night or so are likely over, but he's still productive on the court during his short spurts off the bench. That makes him a tremendous asset for any second unit, and the Bucks clearly see the value in bringing him on board.
