Antetokounmpo returns to Bucks lineup in Finals’ Game 1 loss to Suns

Jul 6, 2021, 8:55 PM | Updated: Jul 7, 2021, 7:11 am

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks rests against the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game One of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

BY JOHNNY SOTO

Arizona Sports

After hyperextending his knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Bucks’ All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to Milwaukee’s lineup for Game 1 of the NBA Finals vs. the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

The Bucks lost the first game of the Finals, 118-105, while the two-time MVP recorded a double-double of 20 points, 17 rebounds and four assists.

“It’s okay,” Antetokounmpo said. “You know, obviously not trying to make it about me, but felt great. You know, the medical staff cleared me to play, and you know, out there I had my balance. Thought my knee was stable. Did not feel pain. So I felt good.

“You know, from my treatment to lifting and getting on the court, pool sessions, keeping my foot elevated, like 24 hours a day,” he added. “And obviously it wasn’t easy but I was willing to do it, and the medical staff had a great program for me that I was able to do what I had to do to stay in shape and at the same time recover and not have a lot of swelling in my knee.”

Antetokounmpo came out of the gates fast for Milwaukee, putting up eight points, five rebounds and two assists in eight minutes of work in the first quarter.

The two-time MVP finished the first half with 10 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 16 minutes.

Antetokounmpo couldn’t seem to find a rhythm at the free throw line, though, ending the game going 7-for-12.

Defensively, the Bucks forward made his presence felt by grabbing 15 defensive rebounds, recorded two steals and blocked one shot.

Despite the loss to the Suns, Antetokounmpo looked healthy for Milwaukee, as he played 35 minutes for his team.

Only forward Khris Middleton (45) and point guard Jrue Holiday (40) logged more minutes for the Bucks.

Game 2 of the NBA Finals is on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Phoenix Suns Arena.

Catch all the Finals action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Phoenix Suns fans pose for a selfie prior to game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Fans cheer prior to game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) reacts as he is called for a foul on Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo warms up prior to Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, second from left, as Suns forward Mikal Bridges, left, looks on during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, left, gabs a rebound as Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges, right, arrives late during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges dishes off as Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) defends during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks for a call during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives as Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) defends during the first half of game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo passes around Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the first half of game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, left, as Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges, right, defends during the first half of game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dishes off around Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) drives as Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague falls during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) scores as Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, back left, Bucks center Bobby Portis, front left, and Suns forward Mikal Bridges, right, look on during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks fans, front left, are surrounded by cheering Phoenix Suns fans during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker warms up prior to game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, left, drives past Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton, back left, and Suns guard Chris Paul (3) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) scores as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is called for goaltending during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, is helped up by forward Mikal Bridges as Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker, right, reacts after being called for a foul on Booker during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns fans participate in festivities prior to Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, right, steals the ball from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) as forward Cameron Johnson (23) looks on during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Fans cheer as the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns compete during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker lies on the court after an offensive foul called against him during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) knocks the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) shoots under Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns stand for the national anthem prior to Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul lies on the court after being fouled by Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, left, as forward Mikal Bridges (25) looks on during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, left, during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass as Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson (23)defends during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks as Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig, right, looks on during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) pumps his fists after a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) dunks against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton, front left, gets stopped by Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, left, Suns center Deandre Ayton, second from right, and Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) drives pst Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, has the ball tipped away by Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez rebounds as Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, right, looks on during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool)

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer argues with officials during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul, left, shoots a 3-pointer over Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) greets guard Chris Paul, left, after Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns won 118-105. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker (1) and Chris Paul (3) hug after Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) scores as Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, left, look on during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker drives as Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis, left, defends during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) scores as he gets past Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, left, during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns fans cheer on their team during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball to Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) greets center Deandre Ayton (22) after Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns won 118-105. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) battles with Phoenix Suns forward Frank Kaminsky (8) for a loose ball as Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) looks on during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns fans cheer on Suns guard Chris Paul (3) after he made a 3-pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams talks to his assistant coaches during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, right, gets off a shot as Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) defends during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne celebrates his made 3-pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Bucks 118-105. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) and Suns forward Mikal Bridges, right, run down the court after a Suns score against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns' Cameron Payne (15) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton (24) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball's NBA Finals, Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (Christian Petersen/Pool Photo via AP)

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