NBA 2021 Eastern Conference Final: Giannis left Game 4 injured, Hawks level series 2-2 despite missing Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks cruised to a 110-88 Game 4 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks fell behind early and then stood no chance once Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out after hyperextending his knee. Bucks had a golden opportunity to take control of their series as Trae Young was side-lined with a bone sprain. While most thought Milwaukee would roll over Atlanta for an easy win, the exact opposite took place.

Lou Williams was inserted into the starting line-up following Young’s injury. Lou responded in a major way finishing with a game-high 21 points to lead the Hawks. On the other side, Jrue Holiday led all scorers for Milwaukee with 19 points.

Lou Williams in his 1st career #NBAPlayoffs start:

? 21 PTS
? 8 AST
? 7-9 FGM@ATLHawks even the #NBAECF presented by AT&T at 2-2.. Game 5 is Thursday at 8:30pm/et on TNT. pic.twitter.com/07V3LAN74f

— NBA (@NBA) June 30, 2021

CAN BUCKS COPE WITHOUT GIANNIS?

The series was already without one superstar, Trae Young, and by the end of Game 4 neither team had their star on the court. Early in the third quarter, Giannis went up to try and deflect a lob thrown to Clint Capela. Upon landing, Giannis hyperextended his left knee, which was then pushed further back by the force of Capela’s landing. 

Giannis appears to have injured his leg.

Prayers up ? pic.twitter.com/cHZXCIsBEd

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 30, 2021

He stayed down for some time under the attention of the Bucks’ medical staff. Then, he slowly made his way to his feet with the support of trainers and his brother, Thanasis. Eventually, Giannis was able to hobble off the court and into the tunnel. There was a brief glimmer of hope when he returned to the bench a few minutes later, but he soon made his way back to the locker room and did not return. 

The team officially announced he was out with a hyperextended knee, but no further details are available at this point. Giannis will get an MRI, after which we’ll know the full extent of the injury. Whether he’s able to return for the playoffs or not, hopefully he didn’t do any major damage to the knee.

LOU WILLIAMS STEPS UP FOR THE HAWKS

Lou Williams, who replaced Trae Young after the star suffered a freak foot injury late in Game 3, put together a vintage performance for Atlanta. 

The three-time Sixth Man of the Year had only started one game for the Hawks since arriving. However, you wouldn’t have known that by watching him on Tuesday. Williams was arguably the best player on the floor in Game 4.

Fading out of bounds.
Shot clock expiring.
Behind the backboard.

UNREAL shot from Clint Capela ? #ThatsGame pic.twitter.com/4t8a2PL8kR

— NBA (@NBA) June 30, 2021

Knocking down his first six shots, Williams finished with 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists while shooting 7 for 9 from the field. He wasn’t quite Trae Young, but Williams either scored or assisted on 15 of the Hawks’ 43 made baskets, which isn’t too bad.

With the win, the Hawks have tied the series as things shift back to Milwaukee for Game 5. Given the fact that Atlanta entered the game without the services of Young, and leave it uncertain of Antetokounmpo’s status going forward, the Hawks have to feel good about their position after four games in the Eastern Conference finals.