Giannis Talks Return from Injury, Says Bucks Have '24 Fights' Amid NBA Playoff Bracket Push

After making his return from his second calf strain of the season, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't ready to give up on the playoff race just yet.

Antetokounmpo told reporters after Monday night's 108-81 loss to the Boston Celtics that he's grateful for the chance to try to lead the Bucks to the postseason now that he's back on the court.

"Right now, to be honest with you, I'm just happy that I'm out there," he said, per ESPN's Jamal Collier. "I've dealt with three injuries this year, and I'm just happy that I'm doing what I love. We got 24 games left. It's 24 fights."

In his first game back from a five-week absence, Antetokounmpo played 25 minutes and recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. He had also missed three weeks in December after injuring the same right calf.

Celtics-Bucks Full Highlights

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The loss dropped Milwaukee's record to 26-34, putting them 3.5 games out of the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference.

"Our goal has always been to win championships and get to the Eastern Conference finals and go deep, make deep runs," Bucks forward Bobby Portis said. "So it feels kind of off just wanting to make the playoffs."

The Bucks will try to start building momentum when they return to action on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks (31-31).