By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs, trailing 1-3 in the series against the Indiana Pacers.
And when it rains, it pours, as the Bucks lost Damian Lillard to injury during Game 4. Giannis Antetokounmpo recalled the moment his teammate went down.
“You see your teammate down, and your first thought is ‘come on, get up, get up.’ But he stayed down for a while, he couldn’t get up, and then you start thinking, ‘okay, let’s see.’ The trainer goes over. The physiotherapist goes over. They check on him, but the moment you see a player not getting up and not able to walk on his own, you understand it’s serious — especially someone like Dame, who’s a fighter. He wants to play in the big games. He wants to help the team win,” Giannis said after the game, admitting it’s tough to see something like that.
He believes Lillard will recover quickly.
“It’s tough being in that position, but he’s one of the strongest, most mentally tough players I’ve ever been around, and that’s why he’s who he is. I believe he’s going to overcome any obstacle in front of him. We’re all going to be there for him. Whatever the challenge is, he’s going to get through it, and we’ll help him through it.”
As for the Bucks once again losing a key player during the playoffs…
“I don’t believe in bad luck. I’m too blessed to believe in bad luck. I believe everything happens for a reason. We love Dame, we’ll be there for him, but we have to move forward. I try not to put too much emotion into the game because that can make you unstable. I try to stay ready physically and mentally.”
He doesn’t need extra motivation.
“I don’t look for extra motivation — I have more than enough of that already. I try to keep emotions out of basketball. I’m getting paid very well to do this and I’m extremely blessed. I love playing under pressure. I love facing challenges in my life. So this is just another opportunity to play basketball and try to win.“