Giannis Antetokounmpo Leaves Bucks-Pistons Game With Right Calf Strain

On Wednesday afternoon, Giannis Antetokounmpo went viral when ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that he and his agent were discussing his future with the Milwaukee Bucks. This was set to be a trending topic for days and possibly weeks, but just a few hours later, the Greek Freak made basketball headlines once again.

This time, it wasn’t a rumor but a real-life injury that had netizens buzzing. 

In the first quarter of the Bucks’ home game against the Detroit Pistons, Antetokounmpo drove on the baseline while being guarded by Jalen Duren. Sailing out of bounds, Antetokounmpo was able to dish the rock to AJ Green, who converted on a layup. As the Pistons prepared to inbound the ball, Antetokounmpo collapsed to the floor.

Play was halted, and fans inside Fiserv Forum held their collective breath as the Bucks’ medical staff checked on the two-time MVP. Finally, Antetokounmpo was able to get up and walk off the court without any assistance.

The fanbase’s sigh of relief, however, was short-lived as the Bucks went on to rule out Antetokounmpo for the rest of the game due to a right calf strain. To Milwaukee’s credit, they maintained their composure and staved off Detroit 113–109. Kevin Porter Jr. topped the team with 26 points on 8-for-18 shooting from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the charity stripe.

After the game, head coach Doc Rivers told reporters that Antetokounmpo would be undergoing an MRI, though the Bucks staff were confident that his Achilles tendon remains intact.

Interestingly, Rivers also offered his perspective on the trade speculations that kicked into overdrive earlier in the day. “Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever,” Rivers commented. “I can’t make that more clear.”

Though Rivers is adamant that his franchise player is staying put, it’s worth noting that Antetokounmpo purged his social media accounts of Bucks-related content this week. This poignant move comes after weeks of frustrating losses, including a 129–126 defeat at the hands of the lowly Washington Wizards on Monday.

At this point, there are two things that fans are wondering about when it comes to Antetokounmpo: Will he jump ship soon, and what is the extent of his injury? Ultimately, the answer to one of these questions might impact the other.