Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks grimaces in pain after getting hurt in a play against Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals at State Farm Arena on June 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. | AFP photo
New York—Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo limped out of Tuesday’s (Wednesday, June 30, 2021, Philippine time) NBA Eastern Conference finals clash with the Atlanta Hawks after suffering a knee injury in the third quarter.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player collapsed on the court in agony after landing awkwardly as he challenged Clint Capela near the basket with Atlanta leading 62-52 in the third.
Replays showed Antetokounmpo’s left knee appearing to buckle as he landed, and the 26-year-old star needed treatment before being helped back to the locker room.
He later reappeared courtside but returned to the locker room shortly afterwards.
The Bucks later said Antetokounmpo had suffered a hyperextension to his left knee and would not return.
The injury appeared to rattle the Bucks, who saw the Hawks stretch their lead by 25 points to 87-62 as the third quarter drew to a close.
The Bucks lead the best-of game series 2-1.