There has been cases of NBA players returning early backfiring. It happened to Jalen Green of the Phoenix Suns. That’s what the Milwaukee Bucks are trying to avoid with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Greek Freak is supposed to be out for at least two weeks after suffering a groin injury in the second quarter of loss to Cleveland Cavaliers last November 17. However, the team labeled him as questionable instead of out ahead of their NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat.
He was eventually declared out. Bucks lost the game by just three points. It was their first NBA Cup loss in the group stage since the pocket tournament was inaugurated in 2023.
Antetokounmpo returning from early injury is not unusual. He is a freak after all. He did that in 2021 when he willed the team to an NBA title after almost snapping his leg in Eastern Conference finals with the Atlanta Hawks.
This is why some fans accepted that him returning early is not surprising.
Giannis when he sees it’s a NBA Cup game https://t.co/cdXBeCIsEL pic.twitter.com/ivRHATnT8O
— Dennis (@Mister_Dennis) November 26, 2025
Biggest respecter of the cup in the entire league. Now give him some effing calls @NBA @OfficialNBARefs https://t.co/jnncfRsW8l
— Bucks Breakdown (@Bucks_Breakdown) November 26, 2025
Doc Rivers decided on Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo has been hanging around in team shootouts but to Rivers, it does not mean he is ready to play. This is why he stepped in and directly told him that he will not play against Miami.
“No. I was not in favor (of him playing). I was very happy we decided what we decided. I was very uncomfortable with it,” Rivers said as quoted by Bucks beat reporter Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
“He really wanted to push and that’s who Giannis is. I was very happy with our medical team today. They decided at the end of the day, let’s wait. Obviously, as a coach, I can’t get involved but so much, but I told Giannis this morning – that it should be a no tonight. Then, the medical team told him as well. What makes Giannis this great is that it was a yes from him. We just thought it was the right thing to do. We gotta protect him sometimes.”
The Bucks are being careful with Giannis and prepping him to be there for them for the long haul. For now, the fans have to endure losing games as they now fall to 8-10.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
