Bucks Drop Game 1 Of NBA Finals Despite Return Of Giannis

Despite the return of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo to the court, Milwaukee fell to the Phoenix Suns 118-105 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals Tuesday.

All eyes were on Antetokounmpo leading into the game, as his injury status was upgraded from “doubtful” to play to “questionable.” About an hour before the game started, the Bucks announced that he would start. The reigning MVP looked healthy after the hyperextended left knee that sidelined him for the last two games of the Eastern Conference finals. He played 35 minutes in the game, scoring 20 points and recording 17 rebounds. Bucks shooter Khris Middleton scored 29.

But the Suns’ offense was stronger than the Bucks on Tuesday. Veteran ​​Chris Paul had 32 points and nine assists, while Devin Booker scored 27 points.

Paul, who is finally playing for the title in his 16th season in the league, had an exceptionally strong third quarter, scoring 16 points.

In a postgame interview, Antetokounmpo spoke for the first time about his injury.

“When I went down, I thought, ‘I’m going to be out for a year,’” he said. “I thought I’d hurt everything in my knee.”

But as of Tuesday, he said, his knee felt good. He detailed an intensive rehabilitation program, “from my treatment, lifting, getting on the court, pool sessions, keeping my foot elevated. It wasn’t easy, but I was willing to do it.” But he said he felt good now, and was ready to focus on helping his team win the series.

Middleton expressed admiration for how Antetokounmpo had come back from the injury.

“Talking to him, he did say it hurt, hurt a lot,” Middleton said. “But you still find a way to get over it, play through a little bit of pain and fight for it. … That’s all you want for your teammate to give his all. I don’t think he’s fully 100 percent, but he’s close to it.”

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday in Phoenix.