The Milwaukee Bucks immediately endured a troublesome blow upon their entry to the 2025 NBA Playoff stage.
Though Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered with 36 factors and 12 boards, the remainder of the Milwaukee Bucks left him hanging because the Indiana Pacers fully overwhelmed them.
Kyle Kuzma was past disappointing, placing up zero-point efficiency with no statistical contribution on the stat sheet for 22 minutes of play.
Head coach Doc Rivers already defended him, however the Bucks ahead couldn’t escape being the first topic of scrutiny among the many Milwaukee fanbase.
With how issues went in Recreation 1, it’s crystal clear that the Bucks can’t do it alone with Antetokounmpo.
The crew is actually hoping that Damian Lillard will lastly be capable to swimsuit up and grow to be obtainable sooner relatively than later in matching up towards the Pacers
Inactive since March 18, the Bucks famous person notably bought recognized with a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his proper calf. Out of this regarding illness that equally ended the season of Victor Wembanyama and punctuated Corridor of Fame Chris Bosh’s profession, Milwaukee instantly dominated him out on an indefinite foundation.
However after weeks of promising restoration, Lillard emerged wholesome in a outstanding style. He was lastly cleared and there’s a perception that he would possibly lastly play as early as Recreation 2.
As he was requested about this necessary well being, Antetokounmpo couldn’t be extra optimistic in regards to the looming return of his Bucks co-star.
“Nice information. I’m joyful for him, that he’s wholesome, that he’s cleared now and in a position to come again and play basketball,” the Greek huge man stated after Recreation 1.
“He’s an enormous a part of our crew, top-of-the-line gamers within the league. Hopefully, at any time when he’s prepared, Recreation 4, Recreation 5, or Recreation 6, he can come again and elevate our crew and assist us win video games.”
In his second season in Milwaukee, Lillard established his case because the crew’s second star, averaging 24.9 factors, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 boards in 36.1 minutes throughout 58 video games of play.
When Lillard was out and recovering, Antetokounmpo boldly anchored the Bucks, main the crew to a stable 10-5 over the ultimate stretch of the common season to seal the No. 5 spot of the Japanese Convention. However the payoffs current a way more troublesome season
Proper now, the Bucks can solely have their fingers crossed that Lillard will absolutely be obtainable in some unspecified time in the future within the sequence and make it a aggressive one towards the Pacers.
