Giannis out of Game 5, Bucks fans show support
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out for Thursday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Fiserv Forum due to injury.
The two-time MVP underwent an MRI and examination Wednesday which confirmed the earlier diagnosis of a hyperextended left knee. He left Game 4 Tuesday night in the third quarter due to the injury.
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Most Bucks fans were not too shocked to hear Antetokounmpo would not be playing. Even without the Greek Freak on the court, many believed the team could still pull off a win.
"I’m feeling sad," said Katrina Davis. "I do believe we have a team that is going to show up and show out tonight just because he can’t play. Giannis, get well soon. You’re going to bounce back. You’re such a superstar. We love you here in Milwaukee."
Emotions were mixed among fans, hoping Antetokounmpo will bounce back.
"I feel like we still got it, man. Khris Middleton, Jrue (Holiday) just really just have to step up," Rigo Becerra said.
Cash Davis and his mom, Christa Davis, flew in from Houston to watch the team. They were confident in the Bucks' chances, too.
"I’m quite confident the team can get the job done. We have many key players that can do their thing," said Cash.
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"He’ll inspire them and they’ll rally just the same," Christa said.
The Bucks also expanded the viewing area where the Bradley Center once stood for more people to watch Game 5 outside.
"Coming into this round, we had seen the crowd swell so large out here. We knew we had to expand," said Dustin Godsey, Bucks chief marketing officer.
Inside Fiserv Forum, while there was no Giannis on the court for Game 5, there were plenty of No. 34s in the crowd.
"The spirit. He’s still the MVP," said Nikki Kaegi. "He got hurt, but he’s still cheering from the bench. I mean, come on."
"Giannis can’t be out there, so I’ll be out there for him, cheering hard. I mean, hands down," said William Huaman. "He’s done so much for us, and I’m just here to support."
Fans noted Giannis as a big reason why they were here on this night in the first place.
"He brought literally this entire venue," said Huaman. "The city has come alive. The previous years, the Bucks have always never really gotten there. He’s gotten us over the hump. Now, he’s trying to get us to the championship and the finals."
The number 34 is a lucky one for the Bucks, with some throwing it back to the one who wore it while Giannis was still in grade school.
"34, I really do think of Milwaukee a lot," said Alejandro Santoyo. "I think of Giannis. Ray Allen did a lot for the city in the early 20s/late 90s. We can’t forget that, but Giannis basically saved Milwaukee basketball, when you come to think of it."
The fans said they planned to fulfill Giannis' Game 5 request.
"Giannis already said on Twitter, we’re going to be home, make a lot of noise. I’m planning to lose my voice tonight," said Santoyo. "We’re going to do anything for Giannis."
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