'It was tragic': Bucks fans wishing Giannis Antetokounmpo quick recovery following knee injury
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58)-- There's a big question of whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals Thursday night.
Bucks fans are still in shock after seeing Antetokounmpo walk off the court with a hyperextended knee injury during Game 4 on Tuesday, June 29.
Eerie atmosphere at Deer District as Giannis is injured.
— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) June 30, 2021
A couple fans tried to start an M-V-P chant but it never took off as most of the crowd is in a stunned silence. pic.twitter.com/HqkPFXYO9N
"You always panic a little bit when you see (players) hold the knee," Bucks fan Eric Vanwesten said.
The Milwaukee Bucks said Antetokounmpo, 26, underwent an MRI and subsequent examination by team physician Dr. Carole Vetter of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network. The MRI confirmed the earlier diagnosis.
"There's no way your leg can go the opposite way and for it not to affect you seriously," Bucks fan Anthony Madison said.
Dr. Mark Wichman, an orthopedic surgeon with Aurora Health care, agrees.
"I've seen a good number of significant injuries as a result of a hyperextension injury like that," Wichman said.
Without examining Antetokounmpo or his scans, Wichman can't say for sure what his diagnosis is.
"You might just stretch the capsule of the knee. So, it might behave similar to a strain or a sprain, and if that's the case, we could expect just 10-14 days (recovery) in some instances," Wichman said.
Whether he returns to the playoffs or not, fans are confident the Bucks can still win a championship without their MVP.
"Most definitely. They've got Khris Middleton," Bucks fan Desmond Barnes said. "He's the batman of the Milwaukee Bucks."
"Hopefully, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday step up and take care of the load for Giannis if he can't go," Vanwesten said. "We don't want to risk a long-term injury with Giannis."
Fans are wishing Antetokounmpo a quick recovery. They'll continue to cheer the team on in the Deer District for Game 5 on Thursday.