Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for remainder of Game 4 versus Miami Heat

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If the Milwaukee Bucks are to continue their season, they'll have to do so without reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.


Antetokounmpo, who suffered an ankle injury in Game 3, was ruled as a "game-time decision" by head coach Mike Budenholzer ahead of Game 4. After going through pre-game shootaround, the All-Star forward felt he was healthy enough to play, but turned his ankle again on a drive to the hoop in the second quarter and was forced to leave the game.

Looking out for his team, The Greek Freak hobbled back on to the court to shoot his free throws because if he had exited the game without doing so, he would not have been eligible to return to Game 4 if his ankle improved.

Shortly thereafter, the Bucks announced Giannis would not return with an ankle sprain. Trailing 3-0 in the series, Milwaukee's supporting cast will have to step up to keep their season alive.

According to NBA stats, through the first three games of this series, the Bucks offence has scored 18.6 more points per 100 possession with Giannis off the court versus him on the court.

Antetokounmpo's -15.8 net rating is the worst on his team in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

After taking a 50-48 lead into the halftime break of Game 4, can Milwaukee pull it off without their superstar?

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Kyle Irving is an NBA content producer for The Sporting News.