Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Suffers Injury Scare Vs. New York Knicks

Milwaukee Bucks fans were given a proper scare in the first quarter of Tuesday’s much-awaited In-Season Tournament quarterfinals. This is after Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared to hurt his ankle early in the game.

It goes without saying that the Bucks can’t afford to lose their talisman at this crucial juncture of the season.

Milwaukee Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Suffers Ankle Injury Vs. Knicks

USATSI 21978861 168400517 lowres — Nov 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

At one point in the first quarter, Giannis landed on Knicks star Julius Randle’s ankle while tipping in a missed shot. Antetokounmpo twisted his left ankle as he landed:

aergaergear pic.twitter.com/OHggGLhVE0

— CyrusTheVirus (@CyrusTheVirusP) December 6, 2023

That could have been bad, but the good news is that Giannis was able to remain in the game. It did not look like the injury bothered him, with the former two-time MVP finishing the first quarter with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Antetokounmpo knows how important this elimination game is, and it is clear that he intends to play through this minor knock. Milwaukee supporters will now be hoping that the ankle does not swell up overnight as the Bucks look forward to a semifinal matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 11: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 11, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) (NBA Rumors) — MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 11: Giannis #34 of the Milwaukee is defended by Julius Randle #30 of the New York during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 11, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) (NBA Rumors, NBA News)

The Knicks will obviously have a thing or two to say about that, though. New York came out on Tuesday determined to upset the odds and defeat Milwaukee on their own home floor.

Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 12 points on a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor, with one rebound and two assists in the opening quarter.

The Bucks ended the first quarter with a precarious 37-35 lead.

Nov 22, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports — Nov 22, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee forward Giannis (34) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

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