Giannis Antetokounmpo forced out in Game 1 due to back injury

Giannis Antetokoumpo Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo knocked out of Game 1 with lower-back injury

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/16/23

On Sunday, Giannis Antetokounmpo was knocked out of Game 1 of the Bucks' first-round playoff series with the Miami Heat after suffering a lower-back injury.

Antetokounmpo was driving to the basket late in the first quarter with his Bucks trailing by a 24-12 score. He picked up his dribble just before the free throw line, took two steps and leaped for a layup attempt. Kevin Love was standing in his way and attempted to draw the charge, which resulted in Antetokounmpo falling hard on his back.

Giannis with a scary fall

Fortunately, he's ok pic.twitter.com/QaShNkKoUi

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 16, 2023

Antetokounmpo remained in the game, before exiting two minutes later. He did reenter the contest about two minutes into the second quarter, but was only able to play briefly before leaving once more.

Giannis headed back to the locker room after taking a fall in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/HOmRfFZKa6

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2023

According to TNT’s Allie LaForce, Antetokounmpo tried to ride a bike to loosen up, but it failed to take. He was subsequently ruled out for the rest of Game 1 with a lower-back contusion.

The two-time NBA MVP had 6 points in 11 minutes before leaving the game.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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