After sitting out five weeks, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to action Monday night against the Boston Celtics. The 108-81 loss left fans frustrated, but his presence back in the lineup offers a much-needed boost moving forward.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo showed awareness of how his repeated injury absences have impacted the Bucks this season. As he discussed the issue, the Milwaukee star admitted he must handle his health and recovery process more effectively moving forward.
“I’m just stubborn. I’m just stubborn,” commented the Greek Freak. “I have a lot of smart people around me who tell me the truth and tell me what to do, but at the end of the day, I’ve been in this position in life by fighting through things and listening to my gut. Fighting through adversity, sometimes that’s smart, sometimes that’s not smart.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo reflects on his injuries
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during warmups prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
He also pointed out that the injuries have influenced his career in different ways.
“Things that I can do in the past, maybe I can’t do no more. I’ve just gotta be smarter. I’m not old, but I’m older for sure… When you deal with a lot of soft tissue injuries, it’s hard. If you can’t deal with your soft-tissue injuries, they can linger, and that’s what’s been happening this year and a half. I feel like I’ve been playing the whole year with a deficit.”
Feb 22, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo explained that recovering from soft tissue injuries requires strict attention to diet, strength training, and carefully managing workload. He acknowledged that he did not stay as disciplined in those areas earlier in the season, but he said he felt stronger and in better shape after Monday’s game against the Celtics.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return gives the Milwaukee Bucks a boost, making them a tougher team to compete against. Still, with their 26-34 record leaving them 11th in the Eastern Conference, securing a playoff berth remains an uphill undertaking.