During Monday night's game against the Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks' star player Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a cut near the base of his right pinkie that required three stitches to close. The injury occurred when Antetokounmpo accidentally banged his finger on the rim while attempting to defend against a fast-break dunk by RJ Barrett late in the second quarter.
Despite the injury, Antetokounmpo displayed remarkable resilience and determination by returning to the game and ultimately finishing with his fourth triple-double of the season. He contributed 11 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds in the Bucks' decisive 128-104 victory over the struggling Raptors.
Following the game, Antetokounmpo reassured fans and teammates by stating, 'I'm fine. My finger is kind of numb, but I'm fine. I played the second half. It's just stitches. I'm not going to overthink it.' His unwavering commitment to the game and his team's success was evident throughout the match.
Despite the discomfort caused by the cut, Antetokounmpo's performance was commendable. Bucks coach Doc Rivers acknowledged that the injury did affect Antetokounmpo's ball handling to some extent but praised his determination to continue playing without interruption.
Antetokounmpo played a significant role in the first half, logging over 18 minutes of gameplay before sitting out the fourth quarter. His absence in the final quarter was a precautionary measure to ensure his well-being and recovery ahead of the team's upcoming game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Rivers expressed confidence in Antetokounmpo's condition, stating, 'I think he's good.' The Bucks will closely monitor Antetokounmpo's progress to ensure his readiness for the next game and to maintain his stellar performance throughout the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's resilience and dedication to the game continue to inspire fans and teammates alike, solidifying his reputation as one of the NBA's premier players and a key asset to the Milwaukee Bucks' success.
For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA.