Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo draws dubious day for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX – Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered dubious for Game 1 of Tuesday’s NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns after missing the Milwaukee Bucks’ final two games with a hyperextended left knee.

Antetokounmpo was injured in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final against the Atlanta Hawks.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said Monday that Antetokounmpo will be able to work on the pitch separately from the team’s afternoon training. When asked which specific exercises and movements Antetokounmpo was able to perform painlessly, Budenholzer declined to answer.

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“He had a good day,” said Budenholzer. “He’s making good progress.”

The NBA announced that Antetokounmpo was not allowed to speak to reporters on Monday as the status for Game 1 was uncertain.

After injuring his knee against the Hawks on Tuesday, Antetokounmpo was able to work on the basketball court for the first time on Saturday. Before that, according to Budenholzer, he could only train in the weight room.

Without their two-time MVP in the last two games of the East Finals, the Bucks were able to find a way to win behind the dominant game of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez.

“When Giannis is out there we can often just give him the ball and let him go to work and let him orchestrate a lot of things out there,” said Middleton. “Without him we have to do it in committee.”

Bobby Portis started in both games that Antetokounmpo missed, while Middleton scored 64 points and Holiday 60 together.

Without Antetokounmpo, Holiday said he felt he needed to step in and fill part of the offensive void – and fill some of the void that was left without Antetokounmpo to attack the basket.

“[I’m trying to] Just keep being aggressive, “said Holiday.” No disappointments because like Giannis [plays], there are no disappointments. He constantly goes to the basket and is aggressive on both ends of the floor. He does so much for this team that I just felt like I was losing, that would be really difficult for us. “

Middleton said he tried to support Antetokounmpo by suggesting the big man not to rush back until he was ready.

“[I told him] don’t rush back and put yourself at greater risk of major injury, “said Middleton.” He’s a guy – he puts so much time and effort into his body to be the best version of himself too. “