The Milwaukee Bucks avoided the worst-case scenario with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s calf injury. Bucks fans had a host of different reactions to the news.
The world momentarily stood still for Bucks fans at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night when Antetokounmpo crumpled to the floor following a non-contact injury during the team’s primetime matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Avoided Disaster With Latest Injury Update
The 2-time MVP’s injury was initially diagnosed as a calf strain by Bucks’ medical staff following Tuesday’s game.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Giannis “has avoided damage” to his Achilles, which is considered the “best-case outcome” considering the non-contact nature of his injury. The Bucks star’s return will be based on how well the Bucks star responds to rehab and treatment.
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo has avoided damage to his left Achilles tendon – a best-case outcome – and his return to play is based on treatment and rehab response for strained calf, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/MN2ZFpP6gv
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2024
Milwaukee Bucks Fans React To Good News On Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury
The overarching reaction from Bucks fans on the Greek Freak’s injury update is one of huge relief. Given all the Murphy’s Law scenario that likely played out in fans’ heads when Giannis went down, a relatively minor injury was welcome news to say the least.
If you listen, you can hear a collective sigh of relief from every Bucks fan
— UK Bucks (@UK_Bucks) April 10, 2024
The best news possible for #Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo https://t.co/dKazYQ7498
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) April 10, 2024
Bucks fans over the last 12 hours pic.twitter.com/ycVnoDXK9M
— oddy 2 hottie (@oddCouplemusic) April 10, 2024
Some others worried about the Bucks potentially rushing Antetokounmpo back before he’s fully healed. A few referenced Kevin Durant, who suffered a similar calf injury in 2019 as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Durant returned and ended up rupturing his Achilles in a bid to return during another NBA Finals run.
It is worth noting that in 2019 Kevin Durant had a grade 1 calf strain. He took 4 weeks off and then ruptured his Achilles in his first game back.
Giannis and the Bucks need to make sure this is 100% before he returns. https://t.co/px7QcOghNg
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) April 10, 2024
Good. Shut him down till playoffs, Don’t need another KD situation
— Sadeek 🪐 (@SadeekNextWave) April 10, 2024
Some others felt as though Antetokounmpo’s injury just gave Doc Rivers a major excuse if the Bucks underperform in the playoffs.
Giannis ruptured his Achilles just in time for Doc Rivers to have an excuse for why he choked again in the playoffs.pic.twitter.com/qY5fSzgZsg
— soaking in all the bad takes (@jdbeacon) April 10, 2024
Doc Rivers seeing he has another excuse to use now that Giannis is hurt pic.twitter.com/7yqXsLSpBC
— Maybe: Jacoby (@Getthebagcoach) April 10, 2024
As long as Giannis is able to return to the playoffs and stays healthy, the result is a huge win for Bucks fans. But as a few supporters mentioned, the team would be wise to stay cautious with their franchise star and not risk long-term health for short-term success.