NEW YORK — Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup for the Milwaukee Bucks in their 118-109 NBA Cup loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night after missing four games because of a groin strain.
Antetokounmpo strained his left groin during Milwaukee’s 118-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 17. A day later, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said the two-time MVP would likely miss two weeks.
Antetokounmpo scored 30 points with 15 rebounds and 8 assists in 28 minutes against the Knicks. He entered the game averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists.
The Bucks are 0-5 this season when Antetokounmpo does not play. He traveled with the team to Miami on Wednesday, when the Bucks were handed a 106-103 loss.
Antetokounmpo was named the MVP of the in-season tournament last year, when the Bucks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to claim the title after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals in 2023.
