MIAMI -- Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo started Game 4 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Miami Heat on Monday, making his return to the court after missing the previous two games with a lower back contusion.
Antetokounmpo had not played since Game 1 and had been limited to just 11 minutes in the series. He took part in shootaround with the team on Monday morning and did his usual pregame routine before being cleared to play.
"Like most injuries, at some point you cross that line and you're ready," coach Mike Budenholzer said before the game. "Medical agrees, most important Giannis agrees ... he's ready to go."
Although Antetokounmpo had not played in a game since April 16, Budenholzer said he would not have any restrictions in Game 4.
"We'll keep our eyes on him like we do really all our guys, but there's been nothing put on him from medical or anything like that," Budenholzer said.
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, the Bucks surrendered at least 120 points in each of the first three games of this series. Milwaukee ranked fourth in the NBA in defensive efficiency during the regular season.
"His ability to cover ground, whether it be on the perimeter, on the paint, at the rim, on the defensive boards," Budenholzer said about Antetokounmpo's addition on the defensive end. "He's incredibly unique as a defender. It'll be great to have all he brings on the defensive end on the court for us tonight."
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo started for Miami after being listed as questionable on the injury report. The Heat led the series 2-1 entering Game 4.
"You can do all the prep behind the scenes but [Antetokounmpo] is going to bring it at a level of physicality and force than what we can cover in a practice," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "We have great respect for him and what he can do. ... When you get in the playoffs, you want everybody available."