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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks checks on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a left leg injury today, and the Milwaukee Bucks had to force him out of the game against his wishes. Milwaukee scored a decisive 134-123 victory over the Indiana Pacers to keep their dreams of moving up to a play-in seed going. However, Antetokounmpo was not happy about being ruled out for the rest of the game via injury.
A video emerged of the Bucks staff holding back Giannis from returning to the game multiple times. The first instance features Antetokounmpo trying to get into the game from the bench, but various members of the staff stepped in to hold him back. Giannis looked visibly frustrated due to feeling he was in good enough health to return and finish the rest of the game.
Another shot showed Antetokounmpo in the hallway heading to the locker room trying to turn around. Bucks’ personnel stepped in again to convince him to return to the locker room and sit out to preserve his health. Milwaukee ended up winning the game, so Giannis wasn’t even needed, but it showed the pride he has as an NBA player.
Why Giannis’ Injury History Played Into This
Previous injuries have caused Antetokounmpo to miss 31 games so far this season. Giannis recently returned from a calf injury to warrant the Bucks playing it safe with him today. Milwaukee’s losing season isn’t worth the risk of a franchise superstar suffering a worse injury, but Antetokounmpo wanted to finish the game to secure the victory.
The time missed so far this season has already blocked Giannis from having any chance of qualifying for any awards. Antetokounmpo wasn’t considered an MVP or Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but he likely would have easily made the All-NBA team if playing enough games with his incredible stats.
Unfortunately, the history books will look like a wasted season for Giannis since the Bucks will have a terrible record and he won’t win any awards. Antetokounmpo did get to add another All-Star appearance to his resume at the mid-season point before missing more time.
Will Bucks Shut Down Giannis For Season?
Antetokounmpo returned to the bench in the fourth quarter and stated he’s good enough to play the next game in his post-game interview. However, the chances of moving into the 10th playoff seed as the final play-in spot get worse each passing week for the Bucks.
Teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks playing better basketball increased the lead that Milwaukee must work to catch up on. The Bucks are currently 5.5 games behind Charlotte for the final play-in seed with just about 15 games left in the season.
Giannis’ urgency to return to today’s game likely comes from the importance of each win needed to have a chance. However, the Hornets keep playing good basketball and the lead remains too large. Milwaukee will likely try to shut down Antetokounmpo once they have no chance at the play-in. Time will tell if Giannis allows that, given his pride and his leverage in the Bucks organization.