On the second of March, Bucks Nation entered the Fiserv Forum for one thing and one thing only: to witness the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo. For them and the Milwaukee Bucks, the score and the outcome against the Boston Celtics (a tough 108-81 Bucks loss) were inconsequential. Having Antetokounmpo back is a win far more valuable than any of their eight victories in his absence (and yes, that includes the 110-93 Milwaukee victory over the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder). 

Seeing the heart and soul of the Bucks franchise for more than a decade back on the court after a long layoff eased some of the uneasy feelings that came from the reports of Antetokounmpo’s departure by the trade deadline. But with all of that now in the past, Antentokounmpo staying put, and a Kalshi deal in his pocket, the focus now returns to the court. 

Antetokounmpo’s goal (and that of Milwaukee) was to get his legs back under him, particularly in real-time game situations. He was playing with restrictions, but that didn’t stop him from showing flashes of what makes him a devastating two-way force when healthy. 

The restrictions will likely remain in place for Antetokounmpo and there may be games where he sits out due to load management. While there could be concerns about how that affects the Bucks’ postseason chances, it remains to be seen as Milwaukee is currently under .500 regardless if Antetokounmpo plays (15-16) or sits out (11-18). Nonetheless, the Bucks would rather have Antetokounmpo playing than sitting out. 

Even if this season won’t turn out to be Antetokounmpo’s best, he still earned an All-Star selection for what has been a pretty efficient year for the two-time NBA MVP. While his streak of 30-point averages is in peril, Antetokounmpo is currently posting career-highs in field goal shooting (63.6) and 3-point shooting (37.5) despite playing slightly less than 30 minutes per game, which would be the 2021 NBA champion’s lowest since his rookie year. 

Through it all, it appears Antetokounmpo has been a professional in the truest sense, being with the team and providing support when able. At a time when stars jump ship when the holes appear, the 31-year old has been as loyal as they come and even during the reported process, there was no indication that the ties had been severed. If anything, Antetokounmpo’s return means not only is the bridge unburned, but Milwaukee remains close to the Greek Freak’s heart. 

Looking ahead, the seven-game gap between the Milwaukee Bucks and the sixth place Philadelphia 76ers is looking like a steep climb with 22 games left on the Bucks schedule, but Milwaukee can definitely close the 3.5 game gap between them and the 10th place Charlotte Hornets. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return certainly helps the Bucks’ cause and while the future remains uncertain for both parties, at least they can take control of the present.