Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks are the defending NBA champions and seem poised to make some serious noise in the playoffs this year.

At this point, there is only one thing that can knock the Bucks’ title aspirations off course: an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

During Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a particularly scary sequence occurred where Antetokounmpo seemed to hurt his hand. Although he played on, concern lingered.

After the game, Antetokounmpo was asked about the injury and how it may effect him going forward.

“I’m good,” he said. “As long as I can play with my son and I can push him over and all that stuff, I’m good. I just got to take care of it and get ready for Chicago.

“But I’ve got to be extremely careful with it because I’m a player that gets hit a lot when I drive the ball, especially my fingers and my hand. But my hand’s not going to stop me from competing and enjoying the game.”

Despite hurting his hand, Antetokounmpo ended up playing 40 minutes and scoring 28 points. He’s a hard guy to stop.

Big picture, though – the Bucks need Antetokounmpo healthy. He is the focal point of their squad and the only reason they are a legitimate title contender this year.

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant recently discussed Antetokounmpo’s impact, and it’s hard to argue with his assessment.

Will Antetokounmpo be able to get healthy in a hurry and lead the Bucks to another championship in 2022? Time will tell.

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