Giannis thought knee injury would sideline him for a year

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo thought knee injury was going to sideline him for a year

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/7/21

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks certainly aren't happy they lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Phoenix Suns. However, the fact that Antetokounmpo was on the court for them was nothing short of a miracle.

The two-time MVP hyperextended his knee against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Finals and was a game-time decision for Tuesday's Game 1. No one actually thought he would play.

After the game, Antetokounmpo spoke candidly about his recovery from the injury and even admitted that he thought his season was over the moment he hit the floor in pain against the Hawks.

“When the play happened I thought, ‘I’m going to be out for a year.’ I’m just happy that two games later I’m back.”

Giannis discusses making his return from injury #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/eKGf64Q8uS
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 7, 2021

According to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Antetokounmpo said he felt no pain in Game 1 and expects to feel even better in Game 2.

Giannis Antetokounmpo said he thought he wrecked everything in his knee in Atlanta. As for tonight he said several times he felt no pain vs. the #Suns.
He said he can’t predict how he’ll be tomorrow, but expects to feel better in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/Rkw5okRjsC
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) July 7, 2021

Antetokounmpo finished Game 1 with 20 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in 35 minutes. He'll need to be better in Game 2 if the Bucks want to even the series.

However, Milwaukee will have a tricky balancing act to maintain throughout the series. The Bucks need Antetokounmpo to play every second he can, but at the same time, they don't want to push him too hard and risk further injury.

Milwaukee will need other players to step up with Antetokounmpo not yet 100%, just like they did in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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