Author: Shreyas Sharma
Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo was unable to play in Game 2 against the Miami Heat due to a back injury suffered in Game 1. Despite his absence, the Bucks put on a remarkable display of shooting prowess, tying an NBA record for most 3-point shots in a postseason game. They hit 25 of 49 3-point attempts, ending with a resounding 138-122 victory over the Heat.
Antetokounmpo was listed as doubtful on the injury report on Tuesday, but was upgraded to questionable on Wednesday. However, the team preferred to let him rest to avoid further injury. Coach Mike Budenholzer had Bobby Portis fill Antetokounmpo’s usual spot in the starting line-up.
The Bucks’ victory was a testament to their resilience, having suffered key injuries at the start of the playoffs for the second season in a row. Last year, Khris Middleton sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the first round against the Chicago Bulls and missed the last 10 playoff games. The Bucks ended up losing a seven-game series to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
In 2021, Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee and missed the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. He returned from injury and was named MVP of the NBA Finals after leading the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years.
The Bucks are hoping for another triumphant return from Antetokounmpo this year, but the injury problems aren’t limited to him. Other notable players, such as Ja Morant and Tyler Herro, were also sidelined due to injuries during the playoffs. Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers had a scare when he grabbed his right shoulder and said he couldn’t move his arm, but managed to get back into the game after recovering from a blow.
Despite the injuries, the playoffs remain an exciting time for basketball fans, and the Bucks’ scoring record will surely be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2023 postseason.