Giannis Antetokounmpo went down, and Milwaukee Bucks fans went silent. Just three minutes into the matchup against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum, Antetokounmpo crumpled to the floor with a non-contact injury while trying to get back on defense.

Moments earlier, he had driven baseline and fired a jump pass to A.J. Green for a layup, then suddenly grabbed at his right leg and stayed down.

The Bucks quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game with a right calf strain. Before exiting, Antetokounmpo had two points, one rebound, and one assist in his brief stint via the ESPN Box Score, another night where everything in Milwaukee revolved around his health and his future.

This all comes after a full day of trade buzz, with reports that Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are actively discussing his long-term future and the possibility of a deal before the deadline. So when he hit the floor, NBA Twitter/X did what it always does, exploded.

 

 

One fan leaned all the way into the New York Knicks jokes: “Yes, fake it for the Knicks so we can send a 3rd pick in 2056 for you.”

There was genuine heartbreak mixed in, too. “As a Bucks fan, I’m really hoping it’s not what I think, but in reality, I just want the best for him, and if it’s time to move on, unfortunately, it’s time.”

 

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Of course, the conspiracies popped up fast: “That’s his last moment as a Buck. Faking an injury. I LOVE IT – WELCOME TO NEW YORK.”

And then the bleak summary of the whole situation: “Ngl this is so sad man. He don’t even wanna be out there and now his value in the toilet. Heartbreaking.”

 

 

Antetokounmpo entered the night averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this season via the ESPN Box Score. Now the Bucks, already wobbling, have to wait and see if this is just a scare or something that changes their entire timeline.