The night started on a positive note for the Bucks — Giannis Antetokounmpo started the game despite a wrist injury suffered just more than a week before in the final game before the All-Star break.
However, by the end of the first quarter against the Heat he asked out of the game and went straight to the Bucks’ locker room. He did not return with the team saying he had knocked knees with an opponent.
Giannis Antetokounmpo calls for a timeout and walks directly to the Bucks locker room. pic.twitter.com/GHMo3SwYpx
— Bally Sports Sun: HEAT (@BallyHEAT) February 25, 2023
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right knee) will NOT return to tonight’s game.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 25, 2023
After the game, coach Mike Budenholzer had little in terms of an update, saying they would see how he feels tomorrow and take it day by day.
Antetokounmpo has played at an MVP level this season — averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game — and for the Bucks the priority is having him healthy for the playoffs.
Even without their best player the Bucks blew the doors off the Heat and extended their winning streak to 13 games, 128-99, behind 24 points from Jrue Holiday.
