Just like we all predicted, without a shadow or hint or even the slightest bit of doubt, the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns are set to square off in the 2021 NBA Finals. This flippancy is mostly performative ...
Giannis Antetokounmpo 'Day to Day' with Injury Ahead of Finals, Per Budenholzer
Jul 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) waits for an opening in Game 5 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets, Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Budenholzer added that Antetokounmpo was "dying to be out there" as he missed Games 5 and 6 in the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Atlanta Hawks.
The 26-year-old Antetokounmpo won MVP in 2019 and 2020, and although he wasn't able to three-peat in 2021, he averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.2 blocks, 1.2 steals and 1.1 three-pointers made per game while shooting 56.9 percent from the field.
With Giannis leading the way, the Bucks were the top seed in the Eastern Conference in both 2019 and 2020. They took a slight step back this season by earning the No. 3 seed, but they enjoyed more playoff success.
Milwaukee swept the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat in the first round and outlasted the injury-ravaged Brooklyn Nets in the second round to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Bucks were heavily favored to beat the Hawks and reach the NBA Finals, and even after Giannis got hurt in Game 4, they had enough firepower with Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis.
Prior to hyperextending his left knee, Antetokounmpo was averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest in the playoffs. If he misses any games in the Finals versus the Phoenix Suns—Game 1 is Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET—look for the aforementioned players and P.J. Tucker and Pat Connaughton to continue playing extended minutes.
Bucks Beat Trae Young, Hawks to Advance to NBA Finals as Giannis Sits with Injury
Jul 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish (22) during the first half of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA basketball playoffs Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Khris Middleton scored 23 third-quarter points en route to 32 overall as the Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the NBA Finals with a 118-107 win over the host Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Finals series on Saturday in State Farm Arena.
The Bucks led 47-45 early in the third quarter after a layup from Hawks center Clint Capela, but Middleton went on a personal 13-0 run to give Milwaukee a 60-45 edge.
The Bucks, who never trailed, led 91-72 heading into the fourth quarter and held an advantage of six or more points for the remainder of the game despite a late Hawks charge.
Jrue Holiday complemented Middleton's effort by posting a near-triple-double (27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds) to help overcome the absence of Bucks forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remained out of the lineup with a hyperextended left knee suffered in Game 4.
Hawks guard and 2019-20 All-Star Trae Young returned after missing two games with a right foot bone bruise suffered in Game 3. He had 14 points on 4-of-17 shooting, nine assists and five turnovers.
Atlanta forward Cam Reddish excelled off the bench, dropping a team-high 21 points and hitting six of seven three-pointers.
The Bucks are now seeking their first NBA title since 1971, when they swept the Baltimore Bullets in the championship round. They haven't played in the Finals since 1974.
Notable Performances
Bucks F Khris Middleton: 32 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
Without Giannis, Middleton Guides Bucks Into NBA Finals
The Bucks faced a tough task when Antetokounmpo, who averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists during the regular season, suffered a knee injury during Game 4.
That's a lot of production to replace in short order, and the Bucks faltered without their superstar in Game 4, eventually losing 110-88.
However, the Bucks rebounded and were able to make the NBA Finals without Antetokounmpo, and Middleton played the biggest role in that effort.
Middleton posted 26 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in Game 5, which the Bucks won 123-112.
On Saturday, the two-time All-Star caught fire during his personal 13-0 third-quarter run, hitting a pair of three-pointers, a couple of two-point buckets and a three-point play in a two-minute span. He ended up scoring the Bucks' first 16 third-quarter points en route to 23 in the frame on 8-of-11 shooting.
Khris Middleton scored 15 points in a quarter for the 4th time this postseason, 3rd-most behind Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant who both did so 5 times. pic.twitter.com/2BLy3nCkDJ
Most importantly, though, Middleton's third-quarter outburst ultimately gave the Bucks enough cushion to survive a late fourth-quarter run from the Hawks, who fought until the very end.
However, Middleton proved to be too strong on this night, and now Milwaukee is looking for its first championship in 50 years.
Once Again, Hawks Fight and Claw to the Finish
Milwaukee appeared destined for a blowout win as it took a 22-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks had other ideas.
They pared the Bucks' lead down to as many as six points in the quarter following a Capela dunk to cut the deficit to 107-101 with 3:41 left.
Down the stretch, a Bogdan Bogdanovic three-pointer cut Milwaukee's edge to 113-106 with 1:20 remaining.
A defensive stop and another Atlanta bucket would have made this a two-possession game in the closing minute, but it wasn't meant to be. Middleton found P.J. Tucker for a corner three-pointer, and that all but sealed the Bucks' Eastern Conference title.
It was a disappointing finish for the Hawks, but Atlanta deserves much credit for never giving up, which has been the case multiple times in the playoffs.
The Hawks trailed by 26 points in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers but won 109-106. The game before, they were down 18 before coming back and winning 103-100.
The Bucks' seven-point lead with under four minutes left in Game 1 also evaporated against the Hawks, who ended up taking the series opener 116-113.
On Saturday, they made things interesting in a game that looked over.
The Hawks trailed 102-84 with 8:17 left, but the Hawks went on an 8-0 run capped by a John Collins three-point play:
The Bucks maintained their distance and led 107-94 with 5:25 on the clock, but Reddish kept Atlanta alive, nailing a three-pointer to give the Hawks a glimmer of hope:
The Bucks offense was too strong, though, as Holiday responded with a bucket. The Bucks led by seven or more from that point on en route to the win.
Still, the Hawks' grit and perseverance haven't gone unnoticed.
For starters, the fact that Young played was impressive enough. He clearly looked hampered by his foot injury, as evidenced by his off-shooting night. But he gutted it out for his team in hopes of avoiding elimination, symbolizing the heart and tenacity that the Hawks have sported all postseason.
Reddish had been out for four months with right Achilles soreness before returning for the Bucks series on a minutes restriction, and he was the Hawks' best player Saturday, playing 29 minutes.
The Hawks have clearly established a new identity under interim head coach Nate McMillan, who deserves to be the long-term sideline solution after he joined a team that was 14-20 before he arrived.
They're a scrappy team that doesn't quit with a bevy of good long-range shooters and talented big men who have room for even more improvement.
The season may not have ended the way they wanted, but the Hawks aren't leaving the playoff scene any time soon.
What's Next?
A championship drought will end shortly.
The Bucks will face the Phoenix Suns, who have never won a title and are making their first Finals appearance since 1993.
Game 1 will be at Phoenix Suns Arena on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruled Out for ECF Game 6 vs. Hawks with Knee Injury
Jul 3, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Sunday, June 27, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
One day later, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe reported that there was no structural damage to his knee. However, he did not have a timetable for a return.
Antetokounmpo missed Thursday's Game 5, a 123-112 Bucks win that resulted in a 3-2 Milwaukee lead in the best-of-seven matchup.
He was also listed as doubtful prior to Game 5 before being ruled out.
On Friday, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that there was "belief" Antetokounmpo could be given the go-ahead to play Game 7 should Atlanta win Game 6 and avoid elimination.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP winner and five-time All-NBA player, averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game during the regular season for the Bucks, who finished third in the Eastern Conference and took down the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets in the playoffs before facing the Hawks.
Without him, the Bucks went to Bobby Portis in the starting lineup Thursday.
Portis, who averaged 11.4 points during the regular season, dropped 22 in the Bucks' Game 5 win to move Milwaukee one win away from its first NBA Finals appearance since 1974.
Report: Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Return from Knee Injury for ECF Game 7
Jul 3, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on before Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on July 01, 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)
The Milwaukee Bucks are holding out hope Giannis Antetokounmpo could return to the Eastern Conference Finals for a potential Game 7, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.
There’s belief Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be given the green light for a potential Game 7 if Hawks avoid elimination in Game 6 on Saturday, league sources tell @YahooSports.
Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee during Game 4 on Tuesday, sat out Game 5 on Thursday and remains doubtful for Game 6 on Saturday. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that there was no structural damage to the two-time MVP's knee.
Milwaukee leads the series 3-2 with Game 6 at Atlanta's State Farm Arena. Forward Bobby Portis took Antetokounmpo's spot in the starting lineup for Game 5 and delivered 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 123-112 victory. That put the Bucks one win from reaching the Finals for the first time since 1974. The Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns await.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 15 postseason games this year.
If the Bucks close out the series in Game 6, it could afford Antetokounmpo a bit more time to rest with the NBA yet to release the schedule for the championship round.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Doubtful for ECF Game 6 vs. Hawks with Knee Injury
Jul 2, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends the ball against Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Antetokounmpo is officially listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee Tuesday during Game 4 against the Hawks. Further testing did not reveal any structural damage to Antetokounmpo's ligaments, but the Bucks would not provide a timetable for his return.
The Greek Freak then missed Game 5 on Thursday, but the Bucks were able to take a 3-2 series lead with a 123-112 win. That robbed the conference finals of two of the best players on the floor as Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young was held out of Games 4 and 5 with a bone bruise in his foot.
Through 15 postseason games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, a league-leading 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists. He's been the driving force behind the Bucks' return to the conference-deciding series and remains arguably the most irreplaceable player in the league.
Now Milwaukee may have to try to clinch a berth in the NBA Finals without him.
Bobby Portis started in place of Antetokounmpo for Game 5, posting 22 points and eight rebounds in 36 minutes, but it will take an entire team effort to make up for Antetokounmpo's playmaking and scoring.
Look for the Bucks to rely more on Khris Middleton for the latter, while Portis, P.J. Tucker and Brook Lopez look to help with the former.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruled Out for Game 5 of ECF vs. Hawks with Knee Injury
Jul 1, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is helped by a trainer after being injured on a play against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
After previously being listed as doubtful for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially out for Thursday's game.
The Bucks announced the two-time NBA MVP will be unavailable against the Atlanta Hawks because of the hyperextended left knee he suffered in Game 4.
On Wednesday, the Bucks listed Antetokounmpo as doubtful with a knee injury.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe, an MRI revealed no structural damage in Antetokounmpo's knee and his ligaments were "sound."
The injury occurred midway through the third quarter of Milwaukee's 110-88 loss in Game 4. Antetokounmpo attempted to contest an alley-oop pass to Clint Capela, but his left knee buckled when he landed.
It's unclear how long Antetokounmpo will be out beyond Thursday's home game at Fiserv Forum. The five-time All-Star is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game with a 55.1 field-goal percentage in 15 starts this postseason.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer is likely going to turn to Bobby Portis as his starting power forward with Antetokounmpo unavailable. The 26-year-old scored seven points on 3-of-9 shooting in 21 minutes during Game 4.
Milwaukee will host Atlanta in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET. The winner will take a 3-2 series lead with an opportunity to close things out in Game 6 at State Farm Arena on Saturday.
The injuries suffered by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young have affected the daily fantasy basketball strategies of everyone taking part in contests for the Eastern Conference Finals...
Report: Giannis Has No Structural Damage After Knee Injury; Doubtful for Game 5
Jun 30, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is helped off the court after he and Atlanta Hawks' Clint Capela fell during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Antetokounmpo is doubtful for Game 5, with Lowe and Wojnarowski noting his timetable to return to game action is "unclear."
The 26-year-old Antetokounmpo suffered the injury in the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as he collided with Clint Capela while jumping near the rim and landed awkwardly, bending his left leg in an unnatural position.
He left that game and did not return, though he did initially return to the bench area.
Bucks' Mike Budenholzer on Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to bench after injury: "Historically, it’s impossible to keep him off the court & keep him away from his team. My guess is that he wants to play and is trying to play. If not, let his teammates know he’s there for them"
The Bucks originally designated the injury as a hyperextended left knee. The Bucks lost the contest 110-88, a disappointing result given that Trae Young was missing with an ankle injury.
The series is now tied two games apiece.
Losing a two-time MVP like Antetokounmpo for any period of time would be a huge blow for Milwaukee. He's been excellent for Milwaukee, averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in 15 postseason contests.
Milwaukee trailed by 10 when Giannis left the game. Here's a look at how the rest of the quarter played out after that point.
The 110-88 win for the Hawks matches the 2nd largest upset (+9) in a Conference Finals game over the last 30 seasons. pic.twitter.com/PvcyADMqu9
If Antetokounmpo is out for Game 5, look for Bobby Portis to see his role increase significantly. The Bucks will have to lean heavily on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday as they attempt to take a 3-2 lead in the series on Thursday if their star man misses the contest.
Lou Williams Leads Hawks to Game 4 Win vs. Bucks After Giannis Suffers Knee Injury
Jun 30, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Lou Williams (6) keeps the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
The Atlanta Hawks evened their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Milwaukee Bucks at two games apiece after defeating the visitors 110-88 at State Farm Arena on Tuesday.
The Hawks dominated for all four quarters, but the game was marred by a scary injury suffered by Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who departed the game with a left knee hyperextension in the third quarter.
He was helped off the court by his brother, Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and other staff members.
The shorthanded Hawks, who were without star guard Trae Young due to a bone bruise in his right foot, led 62-52 with 7:14 left in the third quarter at the time of Antetokounmpo's injury.
Following a floater from Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, the Hawks responded with a 15-0 run that included a trio of Bogdan Bogdanovic three-pointers to give themselves a 77-54 edge. Atlanta led by 19 or more for the remainder of the game.
Lou Williams, who entered the starting lineup for Young, scored 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting (5-of-6 from the foul line). He led six players who scored 10 or more, including Bogdanovic with 18 on six three-pointers.
Milwaukee is looking for its first NBA Finals appearance since 1974. The Hawks haven't been to the championship round since 1961, when they were based in St. Louis.
Notable Performances
Hawks G Lou Williams: 21 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
Hawks G Bogdan Bogdanovic: 20 points, 5 assists, 4 steals
Hawks G Kevin Huerter: 15 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds
Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo: 14 points, 8 rebounds
Bucks F Khris Middleton: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
Bucks G Jrue Holiday: 19 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds
Lou Williams Saves the Day
The three-time Sixth Man of the Year hadn't seen much action in this season's playoffs before Tuesday, averaging 6.5 points in 13.0 minutes per game. He only played more than 18 minutes in a game once in this entire postseason.
That all changed Tuesday as head coach Nate McMillan opted to start Williams for Young as the shorthanded team faced difficult odds to take down the Bucks.
Williams flipped the script, though, propelling the Hawks to a huge win that not only knotted the series but forced an eventual return to Atlanta for Game 6.
The veteran got Atlanta off to a great start, scoring seven points in a 15-5 game-opening run. He capped that effort with a three-pointer over Bucks forward Khris Middleton:
However, Williams' biggest play came on a five-point swing near the end of the frame.
Middleton missed a three-pointer that would have cut the Hawks' lead to six. Instead, Williams corralled the long rebound and took care of business himself by hitting a jumper over Antetokounmpo, giving the Hawks a 47-36 edge:
It was the Williams and Bogdanovic show in the third quarter. Williams had six points and four assists, knocking down a clutch three to give Atlanta a 60-50 advantage:
With that, the Hawks rolled to the win and moved two victories away from the NBA Finals.
Giannis Injured as Bucks Blown Out
Obviously, everything else that happened to the Bucks on Tuesday pales in comparison to the health and wellness of Antetokounmpo.
Injuries have unfortunately been commonplace this entire season, but it's especially been the case during the playoffs, to the point where some All-Star teams can be formed with the players forced to miss time:
NBA All-Star teams this season
West: Chris Paul Mike Conley Donovan Mitchell Kawhi Leonard Anthony Davis
East: James Harden Kyrie Irving Jaylen Brown Giannis Antetokounmpo Joel Embiid
Milwaukee wasn't playing well on either end before Antetokounmpo's injury, but the Bucks weren't out of it either down just 10 points with 19-plus minutes left in the game.
However, Milwaukee couldn't recover after he left, and Atlanta outscored the Bucks by 12 for the remainder of the game. The Bucks even waved the white flag and cleared out the bench with four minutes remaining.
The playoffs have been rough on stars, and that's continued to be the case.
In the Western Conference Finals, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul missed Games 1 and 2 due to COVID-19 protocols, and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard has been out all series with a right knee sprain.
start a petition that we pause the playoffs until trae and giannis and kawhi are okay
