Injuries continue to play an enormous role in the NBA playoffs.
In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Atlanta Hawks were Without Trae Young (bruised bone in his right foot), and nearly five minutes into the third quarter, Bucks All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo sustained a hyperextended left Knee while trying to defend a Clint Capela dunk and did not return to the game.
Antetokounmpo’s injury, overshadowed an impressive 110-88 Hawks victory on Tuesday and cast a distressing atmosphere over the series.
Even before Antetokounmpo’s injury, the Bucks slept-walked through the first two quarters and did not take advantage of Young’s absence.
Lou Williams provided a spark, starting for in place of Young, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who is playing through right knee soreness, found his shooting touch.
It was a complete team effort for the Hawks, who had six players in double figures in points. They received unexpected performances from Cam Reddish and rookie first-round draft pick Onyeka Okongwu, who has received minimal playing time in the playoffs.