On Saturday, Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 29 points after missing the Bucks’ previous eight games. Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks knew what they were missing with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined for eight games with a right calf strain.
Missing no more. In his first game in 24 days, Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds in only 25 minutes to lead the Bucks to a 112-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.
“He’s Giannis, so we’ve been missing him a lot,” Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. said Friday after the 125-104 loss in Memphis. “He’s the top, best player in the world, shoot. When you’ve got the best player in the world on your team and on the floor, he demands respect.”
Down the stretch Saturday, the Bucks leaned on Antetokounmpo, and their All-NBA forward delivered.
With Milwaukee’s lead down to three with 1:10 remaining, Antetokounmpo got himself into the paint and drew contact to head to the free-throw line. He knocked down both attempts, part of his 8-for-10 night from the line. After a stop on the next possession, Antetokounmpo got out in transition for a finger roll through contact to give the Bucks a seven-point lead.
The Bulls climbed to within four in the final minute, but the Bucks closed it out to improve to 13-19.