The Milwaukee Bucks staged an 18-point comeback to defeat the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons 113-109 on Wednesday night, but the victory was overshadowed by a right calf strain suffered by star Giannis Antetokounmpo early in the first quarter. Antetokounmpo is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, per reports, while ongoing discussions about his future with the team continue. Coach Doc Rivers denied any trade request from the two-time MVP.
Milwaukee's night at Fiserv Forum began with swirling trade rumors, as ESPN reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have started conversations with the Bucks about whether Milwaukee remains his best fit, with a resolution expected in the coming weeks. Rivers addressed the speculation before tip-off, stating, "Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can't make that more clear." He emphasized speaking directly to Antetokounmpo daily, adding, "He loves Milwaukee and he loves the Bucks."
Just under three minutes into the game, Antetokounmpo drove baseline for a layup assist to AJ Green before collapsing in a non-contact incident, grabbing his right leg. Initial fears of an Achilles tear were ruled out, with the Bucks announcing a right calf strain. He walked off under his own power but did not return, heading to the hospital for an MRI. "He's doing an MRI right now, so we'll know more hopefully by the end of [Wednesday night]," Rivers said postgame.
Despite the blow—the Bucks are 2-5 without Antetokounmpo this season and sit 10-13 overall, 10th in the East—Milwaukee trailed by 18 before mounting a comeback. They closed the first half on a 16-4 run led by Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr., then surged in the fourth with back-to-back threes from Green and an and-one by Jericho Sims, who notched a career-high 15 points and 14 rebounds on 7-of-7 shooting. Bobby Portis highlighted team resilience: "I'm happy we were able to rally together and get the win."
Antetokounmpo, averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 63.9% shooting, texted the group chat first after the buzzer: "Good job fellas, way to get one," per Portis. The injury adds to his history of calf issues and could jeopardize his 10th straight All-Star nod and All-NBA streak under the 65-game threshold. With the Bucks facing a tough slate ahead, including the 76ers, Celtics and Raptors, his absence tests their depth amid the uncertainty.
