Bucks win NBA-best 13th straight game despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's early exit due to knee injury

Superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his right knee in the first quarter of the Bucks’ 128-99 win over the Miami Heat Friday night.

With just over one minute remaining in the opening quarter, the two-time NBA MVP knocked knees with another player. Antetokounmpo was not able to return to the game.

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said he was not sure when exactly Antetokounmpo hurt his knee but noted he would be considered day-to-day because of the injury.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, right, dribbles the ball to the basket during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum Feb. 24, 2023, in Milwaukee. (John Fisher/Getty Images)

Antetokounmpo entered the game with a lingering wrist injury he suffered in a game before the All-Star break. He did start in last week’s All-Star game but quickly exited after scoring just two points.

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On Friday, Budenholzer called a timeout in the middle of a Bucks possession as Antetokounmpo was motioning toward the team bench. He then went into the tunnel and into the locker room area.

“He was basically asking out,” Budenholzer said after the game. “Fortunately, we had the ball. I don’t think we know exactly when he knocked knees.”

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first half of a game March 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City.  (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

The 28-year-old was upgraded from doubtful to questionable to active before the game against the Heat. He registered four points, four rebounds and four assists in his limited time on the court Friday.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket around Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum Dec 13, 2022, in Milwaukee. (Jeff Hanisch/USA Today Sports)

Antetokounmpo also missed games earlier this season with a left knee injury. Milwaukee’s 29-point win over Miami marked its largest margin of victory of the season.

The Bucks have now won 13 straight games, the longest streak in the league this season.

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“The last two days of practice [without Giannis], we really just emphasized kind of keeping that rhythm, the way that we play,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said.

“Bud [Budenholzer] says we turn on the faucet. I think just playing fast, sometimes playing random and keeping our chemistry has been good.”