Giannis ruled out of Game 1 with lower back contusion after fall

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Giannis Antetokounmpo has been ruled out of the remainder of the Milwaukee Bucks' Game 1 against the Miami Heat after suffering a lower back confusion as the result of a heavy fall.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is injured during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum.
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks is injured during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum.  © Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo sustained the injury on a drive to the bucket after Kevin Love tried to slide in and take a charge, causing an awkward twisting collision where Antetokounmpo landed flat on his back with 4:13 left in the first quarter.

Antetokounmpo was slow to get back up and attempted to play through the issue, before the Bucks confirmed he was out before half-time.

The Greek forward played for 11 minutes, scoring six points on two-of-four shooting, making two-of-four free-throws, with three rebounds and a turnover.

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The Bucks, who have an 11-8 record without Antetokounmpo this season, trailed 68-55 at half-time at Fiserv Forum. They ended up losing the game 130-117.

Antetokounmpo has averaged 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game this season, sitting in the NBA's top five for both categories.

Cover photo: Stacy Revere / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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