Giannis Antetokounmpo plays just 11 minutes in Game 1 after suffering back contusion

The Bucks sorely missed Giannis in Game 1.

Matthew Dugandzic | Apr 17, 2023

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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo played a mere 11 minutes in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat after suffering a back contusion following a hard fall on a drive to the basket. The Greek Freak’s availability for the next game remains up in the air.

Giannis headed back to the locker room after taking a fall in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/HOmRfFZKa6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2023

Hard fall

Giannis suffered the injury late in the first quarter as he drove hard to the basket and was met by the Heat’s Kevin Love, who tried to draw an offensive foul. However, Giannis landed hard on his back, immediately grabbing that region after the moment of impact. He tried to play through it, but not long after, he headed straight to the locker room to get it checked.

Giannis with a scary fall 😳

Fortunately, he's ok 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QaShNkKoUi
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2023

Moments later, the team gave Bucks fans the dire news that Giannis would miss the rest of Game 1.

Giannis is OUT for the rest of tonight's game with a lower back contusion.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 16, 2023

Presence missed

With Giannis out, the Heat took full advantage and won Game 1, 130-117. Giannis finished with just 6 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes of action. While Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Jrue Holiday tried to carry the Bucks, it was clear Giannis’ presence was sorely missed.

Bounce back on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/wm5PfVEYPP
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 17, 2023

Game 2 will be played on Wednesday at the Fiserv Forum.

Published Apr 17, 2023

MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.