MILWAUKEE (AP) – Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds before leaving the game due to injury, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 134-123 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
Antetokounmpo sustained the injury while landing awkwardly after a dunk late in the third quarter. Despite the injury, he briefly continued playing, completing another dunk and attempting free throws before heading to the locker room.
Game Highlights
In addition to Antetokounmpo’s performance, Bobby Portis contributed significantly with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Rollins also had a strong showing, scoring 20 points, along with seven assists and three steals.
The Bucks trailed 65-62 at halftime but mounted a comeback, turning a six-point lead in the fourth quarter into an 18-point advantage with a 15-3 run, making the score 119-101 with 8:45 remaining.
On the other side, Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 32 points, while Jay Huff added 16 points and two blocks. The Pacers struggled with turnovers, committing 18 compared to the Bucks’ nine.
Antetokounmpo’s Injury Update
Antetokounmpo stated he did not plan on undergoing imaging for his injury. The two-time MVP expressed confidence in his ability to finish the game but opted to heed the advice of the Bucks’ training staff.
“I’m just going to go back home, sleep, see how I feel tomorrow, try to lift some weights,” Antetokounmpo said. “If I have a little bit of discomfort, then I’ll go from there. As of now, I’m not really bothered.”
At 31 years old, Antetokounmpo has missed a career-high 31 games this season, including a recent absence due to a sprained left ankle. His injury history includes two extended absences caused by strains in his right calf.