The Milwaukee Bucks overcame a rocky start and a major blow to beat the Detroit Pistons 113-109, despite losing two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to an early injury. The Greek superstar, just 30 years old, went down in the third minute of the game at Fiserv Forum, leaving teammates and fans holding their breath.

Antetokounmpo had to be assisted off the court, and the Bucks are awaiting results from an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Initial reports suggest a possible strain to his right calf.

Bucks Rally From Early Deficit

The Pistons appeared in control early, opening up an 18-point lead in the first quarter. Milwaukee, however, displayed resilience and determination to claw their way back into the contest. Key contributions from Kevin Porter Jr., who scored 26 points, and Ryan Rollins, adding 22, fueled the comeback. AJ Green also played a pivotal role, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

“It was a hell of a win,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said. “We got down early, missed wide-open, great shots, but nothing seemed to fall. And then Giannis gets hurt… to fight back like that just shows a lot about this team.”

The victory marks just Milwaukee’s second win in 10 games, highlighting a period of inconsistency for the franchise as they currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Detroit’s loss was their fifth of the season, though they remain atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Antetokounmpo’s Status and Trade Rumors

Prior to the game, speculation about Giannis’s future with the Bucks surfaced via ESPN, with reports suggesting he was “mulling his future” with the franchise. Doc Rivers quickly dismissed any notion of a trade, stating, “There have been no conversations” regarding moving the superstar.

The injury, combined with the ongoing winless streak outside their home dominance, puts extra pressure on the Bucks to perform without their cornerstone player.

Other Notable NBA Action

• Los Angeles Clippers: James Harden and Kawhi Leonard combined for 48 points to lead the Clippers to a dominant 115-92 win over the Atlanta Hawks, ending a five-game losing streak.
• Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray exploded for a season-high 52 points as Denver defeated the Indiana Pacers 135-120 in Indianapolis, reinforcing the Nuggets’ status as a top contender.

Looking Ahead

The Bucks will now need to manage Giannis’s recovery carefully while continuing their push up the Eastern Conference standings. With Antetokounmpo sidelined, players like Porter Jr., Rollins, and Green may be asked to shoulder a larger offensive load in upcoming games.

Detroit will aim to bounce back on the road, while Milwaukee hopes this resilient performance marks the start of a turnaround despite their injury concerns.