The Milwaukee Bucks closed out their regular season on a high note, clinching the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference after a thrilling 140-133 victory over the Detroit Pistons. It’s quite the feat, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the sidelines for that final game. Yet, the Bucks found a way to extend their winning streak to an impressive seven games, setting the stage for a solid playoff push.
Now, they’re gearing up for a first-round showdown against the Indiana Pacers — a team that handed them a tough exit last season, knocking them out in six games. This time, however, the Bucks are armed with their franchise cornerstone, Giannis, back and ready to contribute.
Last year’s playoff series against the Pacers was a tough pill to swallow for Milwaukee fans, as Giannis missed the entirety of it due to a calf strain. Fast forward to now, and the injury concerns have faded, leaving the Bucks with a fully fit Greek Freak. Head coach Doc Rivers is clearly excited about Giannis’ return, emphasizing how vital he is to the team’s success: “Giannis in the last three playoffs — am I correct? — has not played for the most part. So he wants to be healthy. I think everyone in this room would agree we’re a better team when Giannis is healthy.”
After the recent victory against Detroit, Rivers noted the team’s need to find their rhythm following a grueling road trip. “We needed to go on a run. We were still trying to figure it out, what lineups [we would have] without Dame and all that. But we have found ourselves, and we’re playing terrific basketball,” Rivers stated, a clear indication that the team is hitting its stride at just the right time.
Statistically, Giannis has been nothing short of sensational. He wrapped up the regular season averaging an eye-popping 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, all while shooting over 61% from the field. In his last six games prior to resting, he ramped up his performance even further to 31.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 11.8 assists per outing. Those numbers speak volumes about how critical his presence is on the court.
Giannis could very well serve as the X-factor for the Bucks, especially with Damian Lillard sidelined due to blood clots. But Rivers remains optimistic about the team’s direction: “We have found ourselves, and we’re playing terrific basketball. Giannis is trusting all his teammates.”
With momentum at their back and the star forward leading the charge, the Bucks are ready to rewrite last season’s narrative against Indiana in this crucial playoff rematch. Fans will certainly be watching closely to see if this year’s squad can advance further, with Giannis poised to play a pivotal role in their playoff aspirations.
