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Giannis Antetokounmpo Knee Injury: Can the Bucks Defeat Hawks in Game 5 Without the Greek Freak
The NBA Finals atmosphere is setting is, as 4 teams are battling it out for a place to win a championship. However injures have been a common sight in these playoffs. It all started with LA Lakers’ Anthony Davis who suffered a groin injury. Clippers also lost Kawhi Leonard.
The Atlanta vs Bucks series has been full of excitement and surprises. But, game 3 saw Atlanta’s ‘Ice Trae’ go down in the 3rd quarter.They lost that game 113-102 and saw themselves trailing in the series. While Trae Young did return to the game, he could only add 3 points in the 4th quarter. Khris Middleton saved the day for Bucks with a huge 20 point 4th quarter.
Now it seems like the tables have turned in Atlanta’s favour. The Trae Young-less Hawks upset the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals as they won 110-88 to level the series. However, the biggest takeaway from the game is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. In the 3rd quarter while trying to block a Clint Capela Dunk, he landed awkwardly on his left knee, and instantly went down. He did not return to the game and the Bucks claim it to be a hyper-extended left knee.
‘The Greek Freek’ going down does bring the question, can the Bucks win Game 5 without Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Bucks without Giannis
In the regular season, the Bucks had a record of 6-5 when Giannis didnt suit up. Middleton averaged 22.5 points a game while Jrue put up 20 points and 7 assists per game. But, the Bucks have been shooting poorly in the playoffs. Holiday is shooting a mere 28% from beyond the arc, and Middleton is shooting 35% as opposed to his regular season 41%.
Jun 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes over Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish (22) in the first quarter during game four of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Above all, big man Brook Lopez has not been performing upto mark averaging 10 points and only 2.7 rebounds a game against the Hawks. Giannis is the Deers’ main offensive threat in the first 3 quarters of the game. He can easily get into the paint and wear out opposition players. Without Giannis, Milwaukee have no player who can dominate and score at will.
Giannis has been dominant in this series averaging 24 points. In addition, he also averages 11 rebounds and a block per game. Giannis is irreplaceable for the Bucks.The two time MVP has led the playoffs in rebounds, and has always been a defensive force given his sheer size and nuclear athleticism. Before going down, Giannis gave Milwaukee 14 points, 8 rebounds and a block. This shows his impact on the floor.
Jun 13, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
If he misses out on Game 5, his likely replacements could be Bobby Portis or Pat Connaughton. While Portis has been performing really well shooting 57% from deep in the series, Bucks have no one who can rebound the way Giannis can. The ‘Greek Freak’ is the rebound leader in the playoffs. Notably, he is the only Bucks players who averages over 10 rebounds, next best id Middleton who averages 7.9 rebounds a game.
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What does this mean for the Bucks?
Without Giannis on the floor, the Bucks have looked like a very weak team. Since Giannis left the floor in game 4, the Hawks outscored the Bucks 25-10 in the 3rd quarter. Moreover, Milwaukee got only 1 rebound compared to the Hawks who got 10. It is evident that the Bucks struggle without Giannis on the both ends of the floor.
Milwaukee trailed by 10 when Giannis left the game. Here’s a look at how the rest of the quarter played out after that point.
The 110-88 win for the Hawks matches the 2nd largest upset (+9) in a Conference Finals game over the last 30 seasons. pic.twitter.com/PvcyADMqu9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 30, 2021
To conclude, without Giannis, the Bucks will need all they got to win against the Hawks. Middleton and Holiday need to score more. Lopez needs to be dominant on the rebounds as a big man. They will need a complete team effort to have any chance at winning.
However, the way the series has looked, Atlanta have a huge window to take control of this series in Game 5. And, inch one step closer to the NBA finals. Who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments.
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