Bucks Rally Around Giannis Antetokounmpo's 'Competitive Drive,' George Hill Says
Sep 8, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates the team's win over the Orlando Magic with guard George Hill (3) and center Robin Lopez (42) in an NBA basketball first round playoff game, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)
A quick look at Giannis Antetokounmpo's production makes his impact on the floor clear. Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill explained how his contributions go deeper than the raw numbers.
During Monday's media availability, Hill said Antetokounmpo was having an effect on Milwaukee's Game 4 victory over the Miami Heat despite missing the bulk of the contest with a sprained ankle:
"His competitive drive makes us all better. He's giving us everything he has. Even on one wheel, he's trying to give us all he's got. Crazy part like yesterday when he twists his ankle again for the second time and he's laying on the floor, and the competitive nature kicks in and we go over there and the first thing he said was, 'I should have dunked it.' That just shows, you know, he's trying to lay it all out in line for us, and we got to do the same for him. So we rally around that. He gives us that competitive drive, that competitive spirit. We just try to build off that."
As much as Antetokounmpo can provide an emotional lift from the bench, the Bucks' best chance of survival comes with him actually playing.
Khris Middleton was excellent Sunday, finishing with 36 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Maybe he can do that again in Game 5 if Antetokounmpo's ankle injury is serious enough to keep him out, but that's putting a lot on his shoulders.
There's also the fact the Heat appear to have a clear edge in coaching. Whereas Erik Spoelstra is playoff-tested, Mike Budenholzer continues to be his own worst enemy in the postseason. You'd expect Spoelstra to have a counter for whatever a Giannis-less Bucks lineup might throw at the Heat.
No team has ever advanced from a 3-0 deficit in the NBA playoffs, so things aren't looking great for Milwaukee. Were Antetokounmpo to return for Game 5 and torch Miami, it would potentially be the emotional lift the Bucks need to ignite a historic comeback.
Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo Questionable for Bucks vs. Heat Game 5 with Injury
Sep 7, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after hurting his ankle during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Miami Heat Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The reigning league MVP may take the floor with his team's season on the line Tuesday.
Charania said "there has been some optimism throughout Monday about his status going into Game 5" and noted Antetokounmpo is feeling much like he did before Sunday's Game 4.
While Giannis suited up for Game 4, he played only 11 minutes in the first half before falling to the ground in pain with a sprained ankle. He remained in the contest to shoot his free throws before limping off the court and exiting for good.
It was easy to assume at the moment that the Heat were going to complete the sweep.
After all, they beat the Bucks in three straight games when Antetokounmpo was on the floor, and they no longer had to worry about arguably the best player in the league taking over. Instead, Khris Middleton led an inspired effort with 36 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as Milwaukee won in overtime.
Heat star Jimmy Butler admitted Antetokounmpo's injury impacted his team's play as well.
"Well, it shouldn't affect ours, but I think that we relaxed a little bit," Butlertold reporters. "And we stopped playing basketball the right way. We stopped guarding. We stopped living by our defensive principles. We weren't getting 50-50 balls. We were getting outrebounded. It was just all bad."
It's safe to assume Miami will not be relaxed for Game 5 considering the Giannis-less Bucks ended up winning the game without their best player. Whether he is available to play or not could be the deciding factor when both teams take the floor Tuesday.
Stephen A: Damian Lillard Believes He, Giannis Could Win NBA Title with Blazers
Sep 7, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Tom Lynn)
If the Miami Heat eliminate the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals—a likely scenario, considering Miami is up 3-1 in the series—all of the attention around the NBA will turn to the future of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With his free agency a year away, speculation will begin brewing about whether the Greek Freak can win a title in Milwaukee, and whether he'll consider leaving the Bucks, either by pushing for a trade or hitting the open market and signing elsewhere in the summer of 2021.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reported on Monday's Get Up that one player who will be monitoring the situation is Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard:
Giannis teaming up with Dame in Portland?@stephenasmith says Lillard believes the two could win a ring together with the Trail Blazers. pic.twitter.com/T9U8vzKltb
"You've got teams like Portland, led by Damian Lillard, who would love to have Giannis," Smith said. "Talk to a guy like Dame Dolla, he believes that, 'Hey, Giannis and me together would win the chip.' Those are the kind of things that could potentially be options out there if he can't get it done in Milwaukee."
A few things are worthing noting here. One, just about every player in the NBA would love to pair with the defending MVP.
Two, it's hard to imagine the Bucks ever entertaining the notion of trading the Greek Freak. And even if they did, Portland's best package would likely be built around players like CJ McCollum, Zach Collins, Gary Trent Jr., Anfernee Simons and draft picks.
Other teams could do better. The Golden State Warriors could build a deal around Andrew Wiggins, the No. 2 overall pick this year, the 2021 Minnesota Timberwolves top-three protected pick and other future draft considerations. Other teams rife with future firsts (the New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder) have ammunition. The Philadelphia 76ers could get cheeky and offer Ben Simmons in a deal.
Barring Antetokounmpo going scorched earth and demanding a trade—which seems unlikely—it's more probable that Milwaukee will look to shake up their roster and add another complementary star player to the roster.
For example, consider the framework of this three-team deal:
Bucks get: Chris Paul
Thunder get: George Hill, Josh Richardson, Ersan Ilyasova, D.J. Wilson, Mike Scott
Philadelphia 76ers get: Eric Bledsoe
The Bucks would get another star offensive creator and shot-maker to pair with Antetokounmpo. The Thunder—who would obviously need to tweak their roster to accept five incoming players—would get out of Paul's exorbitant contract in a glorified salary dump, freeing up a ton of money for next year's free agency.
That would also allow them to feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a starring role in the backcourt. And the Sixers hop into the deal, getting a much-needed halfcourt facilitator in their backcourt.
That's, obviously, a patchwork trade idea. The point is that the Bucks could still have avenues to improve their team in the upcoming offseason to entice the Greek Freak to sign a long-term contract extension. Put another away, pump the brakes on any Lillard-Giannis super teams.
NBA Playoffs 2020: Latest Conference Semifinal Scores, Odds and Bracket Picks
Sep 7, 2020
Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (23) looks to pass during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Houston Rockets Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Down to the final eight teams, three of the four NBA playoff series are tied with one squad on the brink of elimination. Although the bubble has negated home-court advantage, we've seen plenty of momentum swings in these matchups.
The Toronto Raptors dug an early hole, but they haven't flinched against a tough Boston Celtics team. Thanks to a buzzer-beater from OG Anunoby and a victory Saturday, the reigning champions kept their attempt to repeat alive:
Both Los Angeles teams have tough matchups, which puts the buzz about a Western Conference battle between the two squads on hold for now.
In Game 1 of the semifinal round, guard Rajon Rondo rejoined the Lakers on the court for the first time since March 10, recovering from back spasms and surgery on a broken thumb. The 34-year-old played a key role in the victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
In a high-pressure situation, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled out a valiant win without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Who stepped up in his absence?
Check out the latest championship odds for the remaining playoff teams provided by FanDuel. We'll also go through predictions for each series in the semifinal bracket.
NBA Title Odds
Los Angeles Clippers: +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
Los Angeles Lakers: +390
Miami Heat: +460
Toronto Raptors: +700
Boston Celtics: +750
Houston Rockets: +750
Milwaukee Bucks: +3000
Denver Nuggets: +3600
Semifinal Scores and Bracket Picks
No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 5 Miami Heat (Heat lead 3-1)
The Bucks extended their playoff stay with an overtime win over the Miami Heat. Antetokounmpo aggravated an existing ankle injury and went down early in the second quarter of Sunday's contest.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks' charge to victory with 36 points. Meanwhile, Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and Brook Lopez had some clutch moments down the stretch.
Can Milwaukee sustain this momentum without Antetokounmpo? That's a tough task. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks star wanted to reenter the game but didn't have the strength in his ankle to do so:
After leaving Game 4, Giannis Antetokounmpo was encouraging the Bucks to tape up his right ankle and let him return -- but he couldn't plant or jump off the sprain, per sources. Around the Bucks, many didn't expect he could play today. No one dares rule him out yet for Game 5.
Even if Antetokounmpo suits up for Game 5 Tuesday, he'll lack the explosiveness that makes him effective on both ends. The Heat shouldn't have an issue guarding him.
Although Middleton deserves a gold star for Game 4, he has to carry a heavier scoring load going forward. With the Heat's skilled sharpshooters, specifically Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Jae Crowder, the Bucks won't have enough scoring to mount a comeback.
Prediction: Heat win in five games
No. 2 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 3 Boston Celtics (Tied 2-2)
Don't count out the reigning champions.
Anunoby's game-winning shot in the third contest turned the tide. In Saturday's outing, the Raptors came out strong at the beginning of both halves, outscoring the Celtics 63-51 in the first and third quarters. Toronto shot 39.5 percent from the floor but knocked down 17 three-pointers.
In order to regain control of the series, the Celtics need efficient shooting from guard Marcus Smart. His three-point shot has been a huge factor through the first four games:
Games 1 and 2: 11-of-20
Games 3 and 4: 3-of-15
Forward Jayson Tatum also struggled against the Raptors' length, going 5-of-18 for 15 points in Game 3. He's shooting 37.7 percent from the field for the series.
Toronto's defense isn't going to let up. Smart's streaky shooting will come and go. He's converted on approximately 32 percent from beyond the arc for his career. With Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet heating up, the Raptors complete the comeback in a full seven-game series.
Prediction: Raptors win in seven games
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 4 Houston Rockets (Tied 1-1)
In Game 1, the Lakers fell apart down the stretch. They came out strong Sunday, outscoring the Rockets 36-20 in the first quarter, but lost some of their edge after halftime.
Houston showed exactly why this series will go six or seven games, knocking down a barrage of three-pointers in the third quarter to tighten the score. The Lakers finished strong in the final 12 minutes to even the series, though the Rockets have a chance to pull off an upset despite their lack of size.
This matchup features two teams on the opposite ends of the three-point shooting spectrum. Through the regular season, Los Angeles averaged 11.1 triples per game (24th), while the Rockets led the category with 15.6.
If the Rockets have multiple shooters in rhythm, the Lakers will struggle to keep pace, which is why head coach Frank Vogel must focus on closing in on hot hands beyond the arc.
Nonetheless, the Lakers have two stars who can dominate in the paint on both ends of the court. We saw vintage LeBron James rise up to swat two shots in the fourth quarter Sunday:
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led all scorers with 34 points. Markieff Morris, Kyle Kuzma and Rondo all played key roles off the bench, scoring in double figures.
Although Rondo isn't a threat to knock down shots consistently, he can set up the offense and allow James to move without the ball, which results in more easy buckets against a Rockets team that frequently experiences lapses on defense.
Prediction: Lakers win in six games
No. 2 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 3 Denver Nuggets (Tied 1-1)
The Los Angeles Clippers opened this series with a 120-97 blowout victory over a gassed Denver Nuggets squad coming off a seven-game matchup against the Utah Jazz.
Denver jumped out to a 44-25 lead in the first quarter in Game 2. The Nuggets' star tandem of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray combined for 53 points. Despite Kawhi Leonard's poor shooting night (4-of-17), the Clippers hung around throughout the game but came up short 110-101.
In any given contest, Murray can explode offensively. He already has two 50-point games during the playoffs—both against the Jazz.
In the first round, the Clippers struggled to contain Luka Doncic. Murray can bring the same offensive pressure when he's hot. The dynamic guard can also defer to Jokic, who can score from a lot of places on the court.
Realistically, Leonard isn't likely to shoot below 25 percent from the field again in this series. He's going to bounce back Monday. Fortunately for Los Angeles, Paul George has improved his play after a rough first round against the Dallas Mavericks. He led all Clippers' scorers with 22 points Saturday.
Assuming Leonard shakes off a forgettable Game 2, the Clippers will control the rest of this series, though Murray gives the Nuggets one more scoring outburst before bowing out in six games.
Prediction: Clippers win in six games
NBA Playoff Schedule 2020: Guide to Odds, TV Start Times, Live-Stream Info
Sep 7, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton (22) directs his team in the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Miami Heat Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Miami Heat are the lone team with a series lead in the NBA conference semifinals round.
Jimmy Butler and Co. are one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, and they may not have to wait long to clinch their position.
Milwaukee sits in an unfortunate position, with Giannis Antetokounmpo dealing with injuries. Without him, the Bucks won Game 4 to stay alive in the series, but it will be a battle to rally back for a Game 7 if he is not at 100 percent.
The Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are on track for a Game 7 if they split their next two games. Boston raced out to a 2-0 series lead before the reigning NBA champion won Games 3 and 4.
The pair of Western Conference semifinal series are still in the early stages. The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have faced more difficult challenges than expected, and if the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets continue to play well, we could see both matchups go the distance.
NBA Playoffs Schedule
Monday, September 7
Game 5: Boston (-1.5) vs. Toronto (6:30 p.m. ET, TNT) (Over/Under: 212)
Game 3: Los Angeles Clippers (-8.5) vs. Denver (9 p.m. ET, TNT) (O/U: 219.5)
Tuesday, September 8
Game 5: Miami (-3.5) vs. Milwaukee (6:30 p.m. ET, TNT) (O/U: 216)
Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5) vs. Houston (9 p.m. ET, TNT) (O/U; 224.5)
Wednesday, September 9
Game 6: Toronto vs. Boston (6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 4: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver (9 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Games can be live-streamed on TNTdrama.com, ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
Milwaukee's dwindling title hopes took a further hit when Antetokounmpo limped off the court in Game 4.
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer did not provide much of an update on his star's status, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard: "He'll get treatment through the night, and we'll just see how he does in the next 24 [to] 48 hours."
The Bucks benefited from Khris Middleton's 36-point performance to pull out an overtime win. Four other players reached double digits in Antetokounmpo's absence.
While the Game 4 fight was nice, the Bucks may not have enough in the tank to capture three games in a row and land a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. After all, Miami had the win within reach for the majority of Game 4 and came three points short of a series sweep.
The Heat shot 36.2 percent from three-point range and had six players climb into double digits. Butler and Duncan Robinson both eclipsed the 20-point mark.
Miami has scored either 115 or 116 points in each game of the series, and if it remains consistent on offense and find a way to shut down Middleton, it could be the first team to clinch a berth in the next round.
Before Game 3, it appeared Boston would join Miami on the fast track to the Eastern Conference Finals, but the Raptors have made that series more competitive. Toronto's key in the past three games has been its defense. Boston has not scored more than 102 points since Game 2. Boston's 93 points in Game 4 was its playoff low.
If the Raptors continue to lock down defensively, they may take a lead in Game 5—or at minimum hold the game under the projected point total.
Each of the four games in the Toronto-Boston series has failed to reach 210 points, which makes under 212 the best bet for Game 5.
Over in the West, Denver and Houston deserve credit for taking an early game off the two Los Angeles teams despite being the most fatigued teams left in the postseason.
The Nuggets bounced back from a 97-point performance in Game 1 to defeat the Clippers by nine points in Game 2. But Denver could be at a disadvantage for the rest of the series depending on the health of Nikola Jokic, who is questionable for Game 3 with a wrist injury, per ESPN.
Jokic leads the Nuggets in points and rebounds through two games and is second to Jamal Murray in three-point shots made.
If he is hampered by the injury, it could have an affect on the series and the odds associated with it. The Clippers are an 8.5-point favorite in Game 3.
The Lakers sit in a better position after Game 2, during which they outclassed the Rockets by eight points thanks to 41 bench points from Rajon Rondo, Markieff Morris and others.
If the No. 1 seed in the West continues to receive scoring depth from the veterans off the bench and Kyle Kuzma, it could be an unstoppable force moving forward.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James are averaging 29.5 and 24 points per game, respectively, and if they continue to perform better than James Harden and Russell Westbrook, the Lakers should pull away in the series.
Since the Rockets have scored over 110 points on five occasions in the playoffs and allowed more than 115 points in three games, the over may be the best odds play in the series, no matter who wins.
Jimmy Butler: Heat 'Relaxed a Little Bit' After Giannis Left Game 4 with Injury
Sep 6, 2020
Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler (22) celebrates after a dunk in the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo left Sunday's Game 4 win in the second quarter after injuring his right ankle, and Jimmy Butler said the Miami Heat lost their edge after he went out.
"Well, it shouldn't affect [our play], but I think that we relaxed a little bit," he told reporters. "And we stopped playing basketball the right way. We stopped guarding. We stopped living by our defensive principles. We weren't getting 50-50 balls. We were getting out-rebounded. It was just all bad."
Heat’s Jimmy Butler on Game 4 loss to Bucks: “We relaxed a little bit. We stopped playing basketball the right way. We stopped guarding. We stopped living by our principles. It was all bad.” pic.twitter.com/K5Me7tVC10
Jimmy, when asked if Heat took their foot off the gas: "Yeah, I think so. I think that was it. We did what we always say we can't do which is get comfortable. We thought this one was going to be easy and it was not ... so going into the next one we just got to put them away."
"I feel like we played like we were up 3-0," he said. "That's not giving enough effort, not sacrificing our body, and we ended up losing because we were up 3-0. They're a good team. So at the end of the day, we should have played like we were in Game 1, Game 2 and Game 3 ... I feel like we didn't play a maximum effort the whole game."
Dragic spoke of "some breakdowns in the defense, some silly ones too." Like Bam, said they didn't play hard enough. "We knew they would play more small" lineups with Giannis out.
Miami still holds a 3-1 lead in the series, and the status of Antetokounmpo going forward is unclear. The Heat have done a brilliant job of stifling the defending MVP thus far, holding him to an average of 22 points in their three wins. The Greek Freak was dominant in limited minutes Sunday, however, with 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting in 11 minutes.
With Antetokounmpo out of action, Khris Middleton carried the torch, going off for 36 points—including 21 in the third quarter and nine in overtime—to save Milwaukee's season.
After Giannis Antetokounmpo left the game with an ankle injury at 10:18 of the second quarter, Khris Middleton scored 34 points on 12-for-23 shooting, 3-for-5 on 3s, 9-for-9 FTs, with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals.
Perhaps a defense geared up to slow down Antetokounmpo struggled without its focal point. Perhaps Miami simply lost its focus, period.
The effect that Giannis leaving the game had on the Heat was extraordinary, really. Seemed to really throw them off-kilter, chiming with what Jimmy Butler had to say post-game.
"We didn't have the mentality just to take the win," Heat forward Jae Crowder said. "I don't know if Giannis going out was a dictative factor for us, but we just didn't have the same mentality."
Game 5 is Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
Khris Middleton Says Bucks Wanted to Win Game 4 for Giannis After Ankle Injury
Sep 6, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton (22) directs his team in the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Miami Heat Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Khris Middleton was fighting to save Milwaukee's season Sunday. But he was also fighting for his injured teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Middleton's 36 points—including a crucial nine points in overtime—led the Bucks to a 118-115 win over the Miami Heat in Game 4, staving off a sweep. Every point was needed after the Greek Freak was lost for the game in the second quarter when he injured his sprained right ankle.
And Middleton said he wanted to have Antetokounmpo's back:
“He came out and tried to fight for us with a bad ankle. We wanted to have his back and just fight for him.”
- Khris Middleton on taking over in Game 4 after Giannis left with an ankle sprain https://t.co/mildIXQHrL
Middleton's clutch performance saved Milwaukee's season, but the question now will be whether the Greek Freak can make a return in Tuesday's Game 5. For now, his status for the next game is uncertain:
Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer says there was no consideration of putting Giannis (sprained ankle) back in the game today. As for Game 5: “he’ll get treatment through the night. We’ll just how he does over the next 24-48 hours.”
Antetokounmpo pushed to return to the game in the second half, but the team reportedly overruled him:
After leaving Game 4, Giannis Antetokounmpo was encouraging the Bucks to tape up his right ankle and let him return -- but he couldn't plant or jump off the sprain, per sources. Around the Bucks, many didn't expect he could play today. No one dares rule him out yet for Game 5.
Our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports live from the Bubble on Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status moving forward after suffering a right ankle sprain. pic.twitter.com/2i3oUyKsSt
The Greek Freak was having an excellent game before the injury, with 19 points (8-of-10 from the field), four rebounds, a block and a steal. Despite playing just 11 minutes, he was Milwaukee's second-leading scorer in the game, and his absence for any future games would leave the Bucks—already facing a nearly insurmountable 3-1 deficit—in a very, very deep hole.
But Middleton isn't ready to write off the team just yet.
"We're a complete team," he said after the game. "He's the MVP, should be again this year. But we still have a hell of a team behind him. ... We're going to fight to win every night."
Khris Middleton scored a playoff career-high 36 points (including 30 in 2nd half/OT); 2nd player in Bucks history with 35 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in a playoff game, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2x) pic.twitter.com/gvu8POJAAt
It will take a few more epic performances from Middleton to save Milwaukee's season, with or without Antetokounmpo.
One down, three to go.
Khris Middleton, Bucks Stun Jimmy Butler, Heat in OT Win After Giannis' Injury
Sep 6, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is helped off the court after hurting his ankle during the first half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Miami Heat Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Put away the brooms and the speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future. Milwaukee's season isn't over just yet.
The Bucks can thank Khris Middleton for that. He was superb Sunday, scoring nine of Milwaukee's 11 points in overtime to seal a 118-115 win over the Miami Heat.
Antetokounmpo was arguably the bigger story, however, as he was forced to leave the game in the first half after re-aggravating a right ankle sprain. It looked like Milwaukee was facing a sweep in his absence, but Middleton and the Bucks scrapped and fought and clawed their way to an improbable win.
The Greek Freak was playing well before the injury, with 19 points (8-of-10 from the field), four rebounds and a block in 11 minutes. The question will be whether he's able to return in the series, with his ankle a storyline in each of the last two games.
The Bucks face a huge mountain, still down 3-1. But they've got a shot.
All appeared to be lost. Down 3-0 in the series, Milwaukee also lost Antetokounmpo. How could the Bucks, already beaten three times, pull out a win without their transcendent superstar?
Khris Middleton, that's how.
Facing elimination, Middleton was superb, taking on the scoring load and staving off elimination for at least a couple more days.
Khris Middleton needs to get 20+ shots every game the rest of the series. What happened in Games 2 and 3 with 15 and 16 shots can’t happen. Middleton is the best shot-creator the Bucks have. If Giannis plays Game 5, they can’t stray from him. Run P&R with Giannis as the screener.
All of the talk will surround Giannis' injury, and for good reason. If he can't return, the Bucks surely won't beat Miami three more times. Even with him, they probably can't pull off the reverse sweep.
But Middleton gave them a chance. That's all Milwaukee could ask for at this point.
The Bench Let Down Bam Adebayo and Miami's Starters
The NBA playoffs often become epic battles between superstars, but Miami bucked that trend Sunday, with all five starters scoring 17 or more points. That Jimmy Butler was tied for the fewest points in that group was indicative of just how balanced Miami played.
Adebayo was the main man, continuing his impressive ascent into stardom. He played excellent defense, provided a spark offensively and dominated on the boards. He's become a true difference-maker.
But the Heat bench—normally a strength—let them down. Tyler Herro provided 11 points, but the rest of the bench scored just six points. Miami should close out this series, but it'll need more from players like Kendrick Nunn, Andre Iguodala and Kelly Olynyk.
What's Next?
Game 5 will be Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Ruled Out vs. Heat After Suffering Ankle Injury
Sep 6, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the second half of an NBA conference semifinal playoff basketball game against the Miami Heat Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Game 4 matchup against the Miami Heat after reinjuring his right ankle in the second quarter, with the team listing it as a right ankle sprain.
Antetokounmpo went down on an Andre Iguodala shooting foul and could not put weight on his right ankle. He eventually limped back on the court to shoot free throws so that he could potentially return to the game.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Antetokounmpo lobbied for the team to tape up his ankle and allow him to return to the court. However, he reportedly couldn't plant or push off with that ankle.
Wojnarowski noted Antetokounmpo has not been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 5.
"He'll get treatment through the night and we'll just see how he does in the next 24-48 hours," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters after the game.
Of note, though, Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated reported Antetokounmpo left the arena wearing a protective boot.
Antetokounmpo had been limited by an ankle injury, which was called a sprain after the Game 3 loss to the Miami Heat. He was considered probable for Game 4.
The forward struggled mightily during the Bucks' third straight loss, shooting 7-of-21 from the field and 0-of-7 from three-point range. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported he was "severely limping" after the game.
Despite the problems on the court and the apparent grimacing during the game, Giannis refused to blame the ankle.
"It wasn't bothering me at all," he said Friday night, per Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
The reigning MVP and 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year helped carry the Bucks to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this season, averaging 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He is a key part of everything the team does on both ends of the floor, and Milwaukee will be hard-pressed to replace his production and overall impact.
Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Eric Bledsoe can help pick up the slack, although inconsistency is a factor for all three.
Marvin Williams should also see significant playing time to help provide balance in the frontcourt.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Questionable for Bucks vs. Heat Game 4 with Ankle Injury
Sep 5, 2020
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during warmups before an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)
Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reported seeing Antetokounmpo "severely limping" after Game 3, though the forward said the ankle wasn't an issue while playing.
Antetokounmpo's importance to the Bucks largely goes without saying. He's the reigning NBA MVP and likely headed for his second straight nod.
The 25-year-old averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists during the regular season for Milwaukee, which secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks' front office has done a great job of strengthening Antetokounmpo's role within both their financial means and their status as a non-marquee free-agent destination. Milwaukee can feasibly throw out four shooters to space the floor to free up the paint for the Greek Freak.
Of course, the obvious drawback to effectively building the roster around one player is that things can quickly unravel when that one player is unavailable.
Last year, the Toronto Raptors eliminated Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference Finals in large part because they smothered Giannis at all times and put the onus on the rest of the team.
With the Bucks down 3-0 to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, this injury could pose a significant threat to their title hopes. If Antetokounmpo were to miss the game or play at less than 100 percent, Milwaukee could be in serious trouble.
