Milwaukee's coach is hopeful that his two cornerstone players can return from injuries before the end of the first round.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (AP) – Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are still out, but Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers is holding out hope that they will recover in time for the conclusion of their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks won 115-92 Game 5 on Tuesday night, maintains their season despite playing without their best two players once more. Following the game, a question concerning Antetokounmpo and Lillard's possible availability for the remainder of the series was posed to Rivers.
"I'm not sure how to respond to that," stated Rivers. "I hope, I know that. Their proximity seems really near to me.
Antetokounmpo has been out for the whole series due to a strained left calf. Lillard injured his Achilles tendon during the Bucks’ 121-118 Game 3 overtime loss on Friday.
Tuesday's game, which the Bucks had to win, went on without them. Game 6 of the best-of-seven series takes place in Indianapolis on Thursday, and the Pacers are still ahead 3-2.
Since spraining his left calf during a game on April 9 against the Boston Celtics, Antetokounmpo has not participated in any games. In the third quarter of that game, the two-time Kia MVP found it difficult to sprint up the court after grabbing his left leg and sitting on the floor, eventually making his way to the locker room. A muscle strain was discovered by an MRI.
In the opening quarter of Game 3, Lillard twisted his left knee. He retreated to the locker room, came back to the game, and later in the fourth quarter, he injured his Achilles. The seven-time all-NBA guard didn’t play in the Bucks’ 126-113 Game 4 loss on Sunday.
Both were watching from the bench during Game 5.
Bucks forward Khris Middleton remarked, "They're into it." They are encouraging and cheering us on. They talk to us about whatever small item they notice in the game. They are giving us hope. .. Having their support on the bench is fantastic. I hope they'll be out there soon, but I wish they were out there with us now.
Middleton, who has scored at least 25 points in each of the Bucks' previous three games despite having an injured right ankle, is mainly responsible for Milwaukee's ability to avoid elimination.
In a Game 3 overtime defeat, Middleton scored 42 points; in a Game 4 loss, the Bucks lost, he scored 25 more. Tuesday, he added 29 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists to his total.
Rivers remarked, "He gave us everything tonight."
On Tuesday, more Bucks showed initiative. After being ejected in Game 4, Bobby Portis recovered to finish with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Despite having a strained right oblique, Patrick Beverley finished with 13 points and 12 assists. With nine points and four assists, Pat Connaughton had his best performance of the series.
It is hoped that the duration of this series will allow Antetokounmpo and Lillard to make a comeback.
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