The two-day gap between Games 2 and 3 bodes well for the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks averted what could have been a precarious 0-2 hole when they convincingly won Game 2 despite not having Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday night.

Game 3 will be played on Saturday in Miami, and even for just two days, the break may do wonders for the Bucks.

The two-day gap between Games 2 and 3 bodes well for Milwaukee as it will give Antetokounmpo much-needed time to somehow heal his bruised back.

The Greek Freak hurt his back following a nasty fall in the first quarter of Game 1, which the Heat won, 130-117.

Bucking Giannis’ absence

Antetokounmpo tried to play through the injury but was pulled out for good early in the second quarter.

The two-time MVP sat out Game 2, but a balanced attack allowed the Bucks to overcome his absence and pull off a convincing 138-122 win.

Prior to Game 2, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said the team remained optimistic that the star forward could return sooner than later.

“We’ll continue to monitor him and expect for him to improve and still continue to be optimistic that soon he’ll be ready to play,” Budenholzer said.

Budenholzer said the Bucks were hopeful that Giannis would play in Game 2 but were also resigned to the idea that he won’t be suiting up.

“(We were) hopeful that he would play and also aware that he might not,” Budenholzer said. “The guys are ready. The group’s focused and in a good place.”

Antetokounmpo was listed as doubtful in the injury report Tuesday but was then upgraded to questionable Wednesday.

Getting better by the day

Giannis showed signs of improvement, but the team ultimately decided to shut him down for Game 2.

“He’s continued to improve, but organizationally and talking and working with him and the sports performance group, the decision was made. He’s out. The guys that are ready and the guys that are available are good to go,” Budenholzer said prior to Game 2’s tip-off.

Milwaukee won Game 2, with Giannis getting a much-needed rest. Another two-day break for Antetokounmpo is precisely what the Bucks need as they gear up for the all-important Game 3.