The Milwaukee Bucks faced the Miami Heat for Game 2 of the first-round NBA playoffs without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was out with a back contusion (CBS Sports). Even with his absence, the Bucks dominated the Heat, tying a playoff record by making 25 three-pointers and evening the series 1-1 (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).
Pat Connaughton led the way for the Bucks in the absence of Antetokounmpo, making six triples and helping the team convert 25 overall, which matched an NBA playoff record (CBS Sports). Before the game, Antetokounmpo was listed as questionable by the Bucks, but he was eventually not cleared to play due to his injury (CBS Sports).
Despite Antetokounmpo’s absence, the Bucks took care of the Heat with ease, winning 138-122 (Brew Hoop). The Heat entered the game with a 1-0 lead in the series, but the Bucks’ strong performance in Game 2 evened the score (CBS Sports).
The two teams have different regular-season records, with Miami sitting at 44-38 and Milwaukee at 58-24 (CBS Sports). With the series tied, it remains to be seen if Antetokounmpo will be available for Game 3 to help the Bucks take the lead (CBS Sports).
The Bucks remain optimistic that Antetokounmpo will be able to return for Game 3, despite the lower back contusion sustained in Game 1 (CBS Sports). The team is hoping for his presence to help them take the lead in the playoffs and advance to the next round.
The series continues on Thursday, May 27, with the third game scheduled to take place in Miami (CBS Sports). Fans can catch the game on TV or stream it online, and they will be eagerly awaiting the news on Antetokounmpo’s availability (CBS Sports).
