Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo, the main player and the team’s two-time MVP, was still questionable to play on the morning of Game 2 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round series against the Miami Heat due to a lower back injury. Guard Jrue Holiday sent a message to Antetokounmpo.
Holiday recalls saying to Antetokounmpo, “I know you’re going to want to come back.” But just know that we’ve got you if you don’t.
The Bucks did, in fact. Even though Antetokounmpo was absent for Game 2 on Wednesday night, the Bucks made up for it with an offensive display that set a record. In their 138-122 victory over the Heat, Milwaukee made 25 3-pointers, tying an NBA record for 3-pointers made in a playoff game.
The Bucks had six players score at least 15 points, which matched another NBA record, while seven players finished in double digits.
Bucks forward Khris Middleton said, “I believe you saw that tonight. It takes the whole team. “We weren’t carried by just one individual. Many people would expect Jrue or I to carry all of Giannis’ responsibilities, but we are unable to do so. It must be done in committee.
Bucks 1-1 is a draw in the series. Miami will host Game 3 on Saturday night.
According to analysis by ESPN Stats & Information, the Bucks scored their most points in a playoff game since 1978 without their top scorer, made their most 3-pointers in a playoff game in club history, and had their most assists in a playoff game since 1978.
With 25 points, Brook Lopez led the Bucks in scoring. Holiday had 24 points and 11 assists in the final tally. Antetokounmpo was replaced in the starting lineup by Bobby Portis, who scored 13 points and pulled down 15 rebounds. Pat Connaughton scored 22 points off the bench in Game 2 after being inactive in Game 1.
“We believe we have the best player in the world, but we also believe he is surrounded by the finest players. Middleton, who ended with 16 points and seven assists, described his squad as being the greatest. And that is what inspires confidence, when one opponent is eliminated, we believe we can compete at the top level.
Due to a lower back injury he sustained while driving to the hoop with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter of Game 1 on Sunday, Antetokounmpo was out for the Bucks. He bumped with Miami’s Kevin Love and wobbled to an uncomfortable backside landing.
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In the days before Game 2, the Bucks had been hopeful about Antetokounmpo’s condition, and before the game on Wednesday, his status was changed from doubtful to questionable. The Bucks entered Wednesday down 1-0 in the series, but they chose to be cautious and allow him more time to heal.
But Middleton asserted that he echoed Holiday’s remarks.
“That guy, he’s going to do whatever he can to get out there and play,” Middleton said to ESPN following the game on Wednesday. But we constantly remind him, “Big fella, we got you if you need a night. We will give it our best whether we win or lose, so don’t worry. Just put your faith and confidence in us. And he complies.
“We’re going to defend the fort as well as we can. In the same way that we had to for a brief period of time in the Atlanta series [during the Eastern Conference finals of 2021].”
In the playoffs, the Bucks succeeded even without Antetokounmpo. When Antetokounmpo sat out of playoff games, Milwaukee improves to 3-1, including two victory in the 2021 conference finals. After Wednesday’s game, Middleton and the Bucks were called back.
Before Game 3 on Saturday in Miami, the Bucks have two more days off, giving Antetokounmpo’s back more time to heal. But the Bucks now feel even more confident after Wednesday’s victory that they can hold their own in this series until he returns to full health.
Our team has unwavering faith in one another, Holiday declared. “We are aware of how Giannis is. We are aware that Giannis will attempt to put out a Superman performance, return, play for 48 minutes, and carry on as usual.
But until he returns, we can keep the fort secure.