Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek and Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, has recently sparked injury rumors among netizens.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league’s leading scorer this season, was unexpectedly ruled out of the Milwaukee Bucks game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, November 26, due to a knee injury.
Although the Greek Freak initially joined pregame activities, discomfort from swelling in his left knee led to his withdrawal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was a late scratch with knee swelling but the Bucks beat the Heat 106-103 behind a double-double by Damian Lillard. https://t.co/4a3b2VZYtg
— The Post-Crescent (@PostCrescent) November 27, 2024
Similarly, the team listed Giannis as probable with a strained left calf, but the knee issues worsened.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers said he was still unaware about 90 minutes before game time until the team said there was an issue with Gianni’s knee.
Likewise, this recent event has sparked debates among fans, with some questioning whether the injury was legitimate or if Giannis Antetokounmpo was intentionally avoiding the game.
Many believe Giannis Antetokounmpo faked his injury and ducked out because he plans to join the Heat in future, while some say he was afraid of losing to Bam of the Miami Heat.
On the other hand, many believe that the NBA star seriously hurt his knee and are sending their prayers for his fast recovery.
Despite speculation, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffers from knee issues and is unsure if he will play in the upcoming games.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers stated, “Giannis doesn’t miss many games. Whatever it is, I’m sure it was the right thing to do.“
However, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence, the Bucks secured a 106-103 victory over the Miami Heat.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has struggled with several injuries in the past!
This is not the first time Giannis Antetokounmpo has suffered from an injury; he has a history of them.
On June 29, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his left knee during the third quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks.
This caused the Bucks to lose 110-88; however, the MRI results later revealed that he didn’t suffer any ligament tears.
Similarly, his knee injury ruled him out for both Games 5 and 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
During the 2023 season, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury on April 9 and missed the remainder of the regular season and the 2024 NBA playoffs.
However, despite several injuries, Gianna Antetokounmpo showcases his exceptional basketball skills, winning several games.
Recently, he led his team to a 125- 119 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Before that, Antetokounmpo logged his 47th career trip, a triple-double with 37 pints, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 129-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on November 22.
In case you didn’t know
- Giannis was born Giannis Sina Ugo Adetokunbo on December 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, to father Charles and mother Veronica, Nigerian immigrants.
- His father was a Nigerian football player, while his mother, Veronica, is a former high jumper. Charles passed away in September 2017 at age 54.
- Giannis has two older brothers, Francis and Thanaisis, and two younger brothers, Kostas and Alex. All his brothers are professional basketball players.