Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the Milwaukee Bucks’ lineup during Monday night’s 108-81 loss to the Boston Celtics.
Antetokounmpo finished the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists in 25 minutes.
“I’m just happy that I’m on the court,” he said after the game. “It doesn’t matter if I play 18 minutes, 20 minutes, 22, whatever, I’m just happy that I’m out there. Obviously did not play well tonight, but at the end of the day, I’m just happy that I’m out there being able to help my teammates in any way that I can and just do what I love, which is play basketball.”
Antetokounmpo missed 15 games with a calf injury, with the Bucks going 8-7 in his absence.
Antetokounmpo said it was important for him to be cautious about his return.
“I’m 31 years old,” Antetokounmpo said. “Just got to be smarter moving forward because things that I was able to do in the past, maybe I’m not able to do now.”
The Bucks are currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and 3.5 games behind the Hornets for the final play-in spot.
“We got 24 games left. It’s 24 fights,” added Antetokounmpo.