Giannis Antetokounmpo reveals lesson he learned from frustrating injury

From there, the Bucks, hired Doc Rivers to mediocre results. For Antetokounmpo, though, he put up an MVP-worthy season that could have been recognized if Milwaukee did better in the Eastern Conference. Throughout 73 games during that period, the Greek Freak averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.

But even before the playoffs started, Antetokounmpo suffered a calf injury that sidelined him throughout the Bucks’ first round showdown against Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers. With Lillard missing time as well because of his own injury, the team mostly relied on Khris Middleton’s heroics to extend the series to six games.

The Bucks, though, couldn’t hold on for too long as Antetokounmpo’s absence was too much to bear. They now enter the offseason with more questions than answers on how to improve the team after their disappointing finish this year.

A big part of the Bucks’ failure to contend was due to the absence of Antetokounmpo. In an article written by Eric Nehm for the Athletic, the Greek Freak talked about what he learned throughout this whole ordeal.

“That’s the first time in my career that’s ever happened to me,” he said. “I have to do a better job of taking care of my body, which I am doing. You’d be surprised what I do for my body. And I have to be, not be unfortunate. I have to be a little bit lucky.

“I have to be a little bit careful. Maybe I have to even adjust my game, the way I play. There’s a lot of things. I’m willing to do anything — anything and everything — in order for me to be right there on the court and not let my teammates down.”

Ever since the Bucks won a championship in 2021, the team has only reached the second round once and got eliminated twice in the first round. Due to Antetokounmpo’s unavailability, the team has a much lower ceiling than when he is active.

It remains to be seen what Antetokounmpo will do to stay healthy on the court in the coming months. In any case, it wouldn’t be wise for other teams to count the two-time MVP out when next season starts.