Giannis Antetokounmpo intentionally hurt Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig during their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Inadvertently elbowing Craig in the mouth during the third quarter as he was dribbling down the court, Antetokounmpo lost one of Craig’s teeth.
Craig, 32, immediately collapsed to the ground in agony. After a short while, he stood up and started looking about the court for the missing teeth. Cameras captured the horrific scene when he eventually discovered it. Craig was able to continue playing despite being hurt, but his team ultimately fell to the Bucks 116-104.
Torrey Craig just picked up his tooth off the floor 😳 pic.twitter.com/3O87N0zG6i
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) March 15, 2023
The two ex-Milwaukee teammates were spotted talking and grinning after the game, showing that there was no animosity between them. Craig’s injury, however, necessitated a trip to the dentist, which was an unanticipated and unwanted development.
Although the length of Craig’s absence is unknown, losing a tooth may be a painful, uncomfortable, and time-consuming injury. He might have to sit out a few games as a result of the injury.
The incident emphasizes how physically demanding basketball is, where collisions and injuries are frequent. It also serves as a reminder of the value of safety tools and gear in averting accidents.
Despite the loss, Craig and the Suns will attempt to rebound in their upcoming game, while the Bucks will aim to keep winning. The two-time MVP Antetokounmpo will undoubtedly continue to play at a high level, but he must be aware of the possibility of injury in this physically demanding sport.
Giannis Antetokounmpo impresses in the win for the Bucks.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who defeated the Phoenix Suns with a score of 116-104, earned a position in the NBA playoffs, becoming the first team to do so this season. They also made history by being the first team this season to win 50 games. With Brook Lopez contributing 21 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 36, the Bucks put on a balanced team performance.
The team’s outstanding recent form is demonstrated by the fact that they have won 21 of their past 23 games. The Suns trailed by nine points at the half, but by the end of the third quarter, they had closed the margin to 85-84. The fourth quarter of the game was close until the Bucks went on a 24-9 run to take the lead and win.
While Lopez had 10 rebounds, Antetokounmpo contributed 11 rebounds and eight assists. Mike Budenholzer, the coach of the Bucks, emphasized the importance of making the NBA playoffs while also highlighting the need for the squad to maintain its composure and never stop learning.
