Giannis Antetokounmpo misses the game vs. the Phoenix Suns due to a sore hamstring

Giannis missed the Bucks' match-up versus Kevin Durant and the Suns.

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was a late scratch for the game against the Phoenix Suns. Although Bucks coach Doc Rivers initially believed that the “Greek Freak” would play after going through his normal pregame routine, Giannis was ruled out 45 minutes before tipoff due to soreness in his right hamstring.

Making sure Giannis is 100% come the postseason

Milwaukee already has a fair idea of how bad things can get whenever Giannis isn’t playing in the postseason. After all, Antetokounmpo missed two games in their first-round match-up against the Miami Heat last year, and the Bucks ended up losing the series in five games. The decision to sit out Sunday's game was made with the long-term goal of ensuring Giannis's full health for the upcoming postseason.

“Well, it’s not an injury, we’re just concerned a little bit,” Rivers said.

“Plus, you look at the schedule you have one, two, three, four, five days off, so we planted it in him and he had to do it. Which we were happy that he decided to do it.”

Damian Lillard today:
31 PTS - 16 AST - 5 REB - 52% FG

Bobby Portis today:
31 PTS - 10 REB - 2 AST - 65% FG

Beat Phoenix without Giannis. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TryG7SYZg4

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 17, 2024

Felt something was off

Giannis shared that he sensed something was off in his muscle back on March 10 when they won over the Los Angeles Clippers. After that, he was listed as questionable to play against the Philadelphia 76ers because of the hamstring issue. However, he still played versus Philly but had to really loosen up his muscles before that game.

“I had to warm up. There was no shape or form I could compete in the game if I wasn’t 100% warmed up from the game going on. No, it takes a little bit to get your balance and get your steps, but my body was warm. My body was ready to go. You don’t play with stuff like that,” Giannis shared.

“You have to be on. There’s other times your body might feel good and you kind of warm up through the game. This wasn’t one of those games. I had to be a thousand percent ready to compete this game.”

Dame is balling without Giannis, but Giannis hasn't won a game without Dame 😬 pic.twitter.com/ipuTSc3eCR

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) March 18, 2024

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