The Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks battle is well underway. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t suit up, Damian Lillard seems to have taken charge of the crucial game tonight. Antetokounmpo has not taken the floor since the April 9 matchup vs the Boston Celtics. Next-day imaging showed that he suffered a strained calf. Before the tip-off, coach Doc Rivers said the two Bucks’ superstars would be game-time decisions.

“Giannis is more doubtful than Damian, but both had great workouts today.” If Milwaukee lives to see another day, the chances of Antetokounmpo suiting up are looking more realistic. But for that to happen, ‘Dame-Time’ has to be off the charts this night.

The Pacers could have easily ended the season for the Bucks in Game 5. Lillard was also sidelined with a re-aggravated Achilles injury. But the combined stepping up of Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis Jr. allowed the ‘Cream City’ to extend their chance of advancing past the first playoff round. Both Middleton and Portis had 29 points each to stave off elimination.

That was the first time in NBA playoff history for a team to escape unscathed without their top scorers. Then again, with the arrival of Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks looked even more poised to be a Championship contender. With all the backstory surrounding the epic Damian Lillard trade, it was a given that the Bucks were planning to get their second ring under Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dame’s first, this season.

So, for a title-ready team to step up to the occasion is something many would consider natural. Of course, it is unconventional, but it’s the NBA. These days, unconventional seems to be the league’s motto.

Giannis Antetokounmpo playoff stats

The ‘Greek Freak’ has been a regular in the postseason bar two times. Well, three, if we consider this season. But it isn’t technically over yet. So let’s just hold that thought for now. He has played 79 playoff games averaging 26.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.

Last season was a shocking turn of events. Miami Heat was a fiery competitor, and they got the best of the 2x MVP and his squad in the first round. Despite Giannis throwing his best moves at them, Heat, who (an 8th-seeded team that qualified via play-in), was determined to move ahead.

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The Greek Freak played in just three games and averaged 23.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He was 52.8% from the field and 0.0% from the three-point line. But in Antetokounmpo’s defense, he was injured in Game 1 suffering from a lower back contusion. Finally suiting up for Game 5, despite not being fully healthy, he had 38 points for the night and still had to admit defeat.

The Bucks wouldn’t want to repeat the same this time around. And with Damian Lillard at hand, who is in better shape than Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee wouldn’t have to, either. Hopefully, their efforts pay off tonight.

Update: The Bucks ended up losing the game in a blowout 120-98 sort of scoreline. They lacked the X-factor despite 20-pointers from Bobby Portis Jr and Brook Lopez, amidst Dame’s 28-point haul.