LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 31: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks holds his eyes during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at the Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo took a gamble playing in Game 4 with the Bucks season on the line
The Greek Freak’s season and early career legacy may very well be on the line in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, as his Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of being swept by the Miami Heat. Antetokounmpo was fouled by the Heat on a fairly routine play, but he came down awkwardly on his already-injured ankle. While he remained in the game to shoot free throws, he had trouble putting any weight on his ankle, and was removed shortly thereafter.
Antetokounmpo rolled his ankle in an awkward motion. Sadly, he’s out for the remainder of the game.
The Bucks season hangs in the balance
Giannis still has one year left on his contract in Milwaukee, and though rumors have emerged tying him to perhaps more desirable long-term locations, he’s said nothing in regards to leaving the Bucks, even should they lose via sweep to Miami.
While NBA fans everywhere admire Antetokounmpo’s toughness, this is always the downside to a star playing through injury — their chances at worsening the issue at hand are relatively high.
At halftime of Game 4, it was reported that Giannis would miss the rest of Game 4, despite his best efforts.
Antetokounmpo’s struggles this series have been well-documented, and while he has some limitations in his came, he’s still improving and is already considered a perennial MVP candidate. For his season to potentially end like this is heartbreaking.