Milwaukee, WI
The painful injury history and ‘what-ifs’ of the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA playoffs
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks teammates react to his historic game vs. 76ers
Giannis Antetokounmpo and teammates Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton react to his historic triple-double vs. 76ers on April 3, 2025.
The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves confronting a familiar issue when it comes to their postseason aspirations: A star player could be sidelined or dramatically diminished for the biggest games of the year.
It happened to the Bucks last year, the year before, the year before that, the year before that (even though they won a title), in 2010 when the world was learning to Fear the Deer, even back in 1974 when Milwaukee was playing for a second championship.
Damian Lillard’s blood clot adds to a long list of Bucks playoff misfortune, and Milwaukee is once again confronting a daunting playoff challenge. Here’s a look at the bad breaks.
2024: Soleus-powered shut down for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The 2023-24 season was supposed to mark a new start for the Bucks, having acquired star Damian Lillard before the season to team with incumbent stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. But only Middleton would play in all six games of the team’s first-round series against Indiana, a 4-2 loss to the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo injured the soleus muscle in his calf in early April, mere weeks before the start of the postseason, and was lost for the rest of the season, though it wasn’t clear until later that he’d be unavailable for every playoff game. Lillard gutted through his own Achilles injury, missing two of the six games, though he averaged 31.3 points per game when available.
2023: Bucks run it back (in a bad way) against Miami
Antetokounmpo was sidelined 11 minutes into Milwaukee’s Game 1 clash with the No. 8-seeded Miami Heat after he injured his back, and Miami took advantage by winning two of the first three games in the first-round series.
Giannis returned in Game 4, and Miami had its own health problem when it lost Tyler Herro. But the Heat won Game 4 and then shocked the Bucks in overtime of Game 5, with Jimmy Butler hitting a layup as time expired to tie the game before a 128-126 win at Fiserv Forum.
The Bucks, at 58-24 to post the best record in the East, won only a single playoff game. The Heat, who also eliminated the Bucks in upset fashion in 2020, went all the way to the NBA Finals before losing to Denver 4-1.
2022: Khris Middleton’s MCL sprain
The Bucks started their NBA title defense with a convincing 4-1 series win over Chicago, but it came with a monster cost: The loss of Middleton to an MCL sprain in Game 2.
Middleton, who had proven to be a matchup nightmare for the Celtics over the years, was unavailable for a big second-round clash against Boston. Still, led by Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, the Bucks took a 3-2 lead before enduring back-to-back lopsided losses and falling in seven games. Boston went on to the Finals and lost to the Warriors 4-2.
To that point in his career, Middleton had been the picture of health, but he was slow to start the 2022-23 season and played in only 33 games, then 55 in 2023-24 before more injury issues at the start of the 2024-25 season. The 2022 postseason is, however, the only time Middleton wasn’t available in the playoffs.
2020: Breakdown in the bubble
Antetokounmpo missed the final game and a half of the second-round series inside the “bubble” of Disney World with a sprained right ankle. Realistically, the Bucks already were in serious trouble, down 3-0 in the series before his injury, and Middleton (36 points) managed to help Milwaukee rescue a Game 4 victory before the Giannis-less Bucks fell in Game 5. The fifth-seeded Heat prevailed over the top seed 4-1.
Perhaps the bigger what-if was the nature of the season itself. The Bucks had a 53-10 record on March 6, easily the best team in the East, before three straight losses before the COVID-19 shutdown (with Giannis sidelined for two of those). When play resumed at the end of July in the unusual format, the Bucks struggled to re-discover their magic, going just 3-5 in games before the playoffs and then losing a first-round game against Orlando before rallying to take the series.
There were bigger fish to fry, including a high-profile protest for social justice, but the Bucks had a special team that never seemed to get off the ground in the bubble.
2010: A gruesome injury to Andrew Bogut
The plucky Milwaukee Bucks took the third-seeded Atlanta Hawks to the brink in the first round, a 4-3 loss that included some shining performances from Brandon Jennings, John Salmons and Carlos Delfino.
It probably would have been a series victory if big man Andrew Bogut had been healthy. After a tremendous season averaging 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, landing him on the All-NBA third team and getting votes for defensive player of the year, Bogut was lost on April 3 against the Phoenix Suns. He went up for a dunk and fell hard to the ground after defender Amar’e Stoudemire flew in, landing awkwardly on his right arm in a gruesome injury. Bogut broke his right hand, dislocated his elbow and sprained his wrist.
The Bucks (46-36) had won the most games since 2000-01 and wouldn’t win that many again until 2018-19.
2001: The ‘conspiracy’ claims Scott Williams
Power forward Scott Williams wasn’t hurt in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he was missing, and Bucks fans today still talk about it.
NBA vice president Stu Jackson re-evaluated an elbow Williams threw against Allen Iverson in Game 6 as a Flagrant II after it was originally ruled a Flagrant I during the game. It was his third flagrant of the postseason, and he surpassed the limit of three “points” against him with the re-evaluation. Williams found out on the team plane en route to Philadelphia that he wouldn’t be allowed to suit up in Game 7.
“I just remember the heartache, the pain of knowing we’re a championship team and to sort of have it taken away from us, without one of our key figures who was playing well in that series,” said current Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, who was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Williams. “To have it go down the way, it did was unfortunate.”
The 76ers won Game 7, 108-91, and advanced to the NBA Finals.
1974: Lucius Allen lost in March
The Bucks’ powerful three-headed monster of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and Bob Dandridge carried a lot of the load for the 1974 squad, but Lucius Allen was vital.
Allen was lost March 15 to a knee injury that required surgery, and that loomed large against a Boston team in the Finals that could press and create turnovers. With Allen’s lightning-quick ball-handling off the floor, the Celtics were able to capitalize on the void and won the series in seven games.
Allen’s 17.6 points per game were third on the team that season, well ahead of Robertson (who was playing in his final games that season), and the 26-year-old was second on the team with 5.2 assists.
Bonus: The 2021 championship
If we’re playing a game of “what-if,” it’s worth noting that the Bucks were able to balance out a near-catastrophic loss in the 2021 postseason with some good fortune.
Most everyone remembers the story of Antetokounmpo suffering what looked like a surefire season-ending knee injury in the conference finals against the Atlanta Hawks, a Game 4 loss that tied the series at 2-2. But Middleton, Holiday and Brook Lopez rose to the occasion, winning the final two games of the series, and Antetokounmpo triumphantly returned for an NBA Finals for the ages.
There were no denying some breaks, too.
Hawks star Trae Young didn’t play in Games 4 (an eventual Hawks win after Giannis went out) or 5 (a Bucks win). More prominently in the Eastern Conference semifinals one series earlier, the Brooklyn Nets were ravaged by injuries to James Harden and Kyrie Irving, with the tandem missing functionally seven (and nearly eight) games between them.
There’s also, of course, the famous foot-on-the-line moment at the end of regulation in Game 7, when Kevin Durant appeared to hit a game-winning three-pointer but had to settle for a two that allowed Milwaukee to win in overtime 115-111.
Milwaukee, WI
Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20
Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Carín León, 7 p.m.
For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.
— Leslie Garcia Ramirez
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.
In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.
Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.
Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).
— Jay Burseth
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.
Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.
This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.
— Matthew Poulton
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4
Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.
It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.
One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.
Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.
How to get in free today
Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive
Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.
Summerfest schedule for Saturday, June 20
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
American Family Insurance House
- 4 p.m. — Weston Estate
- 2 p.m. — Flipturn
BMO Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — David Lee Roth
- 7:15 p.m. — Kirstie Kraus
- 5:30 p.m. — Substitute: Tales From The Who
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:30 p.m. — The Academy Is…
- 8:30 p.m. — Braid
- 6:30 p.m. — The Juliana Theory
- 4:30 p.m. — Colin Bracewell
- 2:45 p.m. — American Progress
- 1:15 p.m. — IDKCONUNDRUM
T-Mobile Stage
- 10:15 p.m. — Nate Smith
- 8:15 p.m. — McCoy Moore
- 6:15 p.m. — Scott Wolverton
- 4:15 p.m. — Rhys Rutherford
- 2:30 p.m. — Will Terry
- 12:45 p.m. — Lauren Gottshall
Generac Power Stage
- 9:30 p.m. — Flipturn
- 7:30 p.m. — Penelope Road
- 5:30 p.m. — Winyah
- 3:30 p.m. — Old Mervs
- 2 p.m. — Tobacco Road
- 12:30 p.m. — The Band Solstice
Uline Warehouse
- 9:30 p.m. — Christopher Cross
- 7:30 p.m. — Don Felder
- 5:30 p.m. — Trapper Schoepp
- 3:30 p.m. — A.J. Croce
- 2 p.m. — Kenneth Brian Band
- 12:30 p.m. — Milly & The Mayhem
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Connor Price
- 8 p.m. — Weston Estate
- 6 p.m. — Graham
- 4 p.m. — SM6
- 2:30 p.m. — Noah Richardson
- 1 p.m. — Sarah Krohn
Aurora Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — Aspen
- 7 p.m. — Dexter & The Moonrocks
- 5:45 p.m. — Red Leather
- 4:30 p.m. — Altered By Mom
- 3:15 p.m. — Cigarettes @ Sunset
- 2:15 p.m. — Candy Cigarette
- 1:45 p.m. — Woraz
- 1:15 p.m. — Take Back the Sun
- 12:45 p.m. — White Paper Walls
- 12:15 p.m. — Mala Mala
Milwaukee, WI
South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display
SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A South Milwaukee homeowner is pushing back after the city ordered him to take down his year-round skeleton display, calling it a violation of property maintenance codes.
Sean Oster and his wife have maintained the display — featuring skeletons named Hector and Henrietta along with other decorations— for nearly two years, dressing them up for holidays, sports events, and other occasions.
Mike Beiermeister
The display has drawn attention from neighbors and passersby, with some saying it has become part of the neighborhood’s character.
Watch: South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display
South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display
“It’s like an expression of the owner’s passion… and I think it’s cool they can use their lawn that way,” neighbor Jeremy Payment said.
Mike Beiermeister
Last month, Oster received a letter from the city of South Milwaukee describing the skeletons as Halloween decorations being displayed outside the appropriate time of year and ordering him to remove them by July 7.
Under the city’s property maintenance code, yards must be kept free of anything considered an “unreasonable blighting influence,” which the city says can include displays left up out of season. The notice also flagged an inoperable vehicle on the property. Each violation could result in fines of up to $500 per day if not corrected by the deadline.
Oster says he understands part of the city’s concern.
“They have a few points… I’ve got a couple collector cars… I understand those shouldn’t be out,” Oster said.
Mike Beiermeister
He plans to move the cars into the garage and clean up the yard, but says the skeletons are staying.
“I don’t think it’s hurting anybody. It’s literally a victimless crime,” Oster said.
Oster also had a message for whoever filed the complaint.
“Live with it… more people like it than hate it. And if we’re enforcing this, then we should go around and take down Christmas lights that are up year-round,” Oster said.
The city administrator did not respond to a request for comment.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Milwaukee, WI
Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Bucks’ impending trading of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team has been the buzziest NBA story since the New York Knicks won the title. But what if it never happens?
The stars are aligning for the Bucks to pitch a narrative to Giannis that for the second straight transaction cycle they’ve dangled him to the rest of the Association and gotten a tepid response.
A few teams, like the Miami Heat, have been clearly interested. Many others, like the Boston Celtics, seem much more cautious and coy about their pursuit of the Greek Freak. Juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are less than a Giannis away from winning the championship, and neither team even seems willing to bid.
Even Miami’s dogged pursuit may not include exhausting every possible means to add Giannis. After all, he’s into his 30s now, with a lot of basketball miles between NBA and international competition, and his representatives want a seat at the table, plus the injury history is getting extensive…
The important distinction, as @Anthony_Chiang and I, and @EthanJSkolnick have noted, is while only Bam is off limits, the Heat cannot in good conscience offer every single good young player and every single available first and every pick swap. Most, sure. But offer everything…
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) June 18, 2026
And then there’s the Bucks, an organization so committed to winning with Giannis they waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer because they thought adding Myles Turner would lead to the next great Milwaukee frontcourt following Brook Lopez’s decline. There’s a pitch to be made right now from Jon Horst and the Bucks’ leadership that there’s no other NBA team out there who wants to win with Giannis as badly as they do.
Outside from the human element of feeling wanted, there are more tangible elements in play. Giannis can’t sign his next massive extension until October 1 with Milwaukee, or six months following a trade if he is dealt. If his next team is hesitant to give up players or picks to trade for Giannis, is there really any guarantee that a max extension is on the table in 2027?
The collective bargaining agreement’s extension rules offer somewhat of a double-edged sword in this case. It hurts the Bucks’ ability to keep Giannis that he can’t formally extend until the draft and free agency are over, but also the prospect of being able to sign before suiting up in 2026-27 is more appealing to Giannis than having to wait until January or February. Especially given the series of injuries that have plagued him.
All of this sentiment and security still isn’t enough in itself for Milwaukee. The Bucks would require a plan to improve quickly to get Antetokounmpo bought in again to avoid ending up back here, but in an even more desperate spot, come February. Upgrading from Doc Rivers to Taylor Jenkins is a great start, but executing trades and smart free agent signings will be crucial.
Is it serendipitous timing that the Bucks biggest position of need is wing players and the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly want to get into the range of the 2026 NBA Draft where Milwaukee is slated to pick, with rival teams eyeing young wings Trey Murphy and Herb Jones? Notably, those same Pelicans infamously overpaid to “get their guy” last Draft.
This is more than likely some combination of pipe dream and fairy tale, given most of the reporting around Giannis continues to conclude he’ll be departing Milwaukee in the coming weeks. But even that is strangely optimistic for the Bucks, as they’ve reportedly quietly walked back ownership’s stated timeline of having a decision made by the draft.
All of that said, it still feels more likely that Giannis is traded than not. But this saga has had its share of twists and turns so far and throughout all the noise Giannis has re-signed with the Bucks. Who’s to say that couldn’t happen one more time?
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