Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Giannis Antetokounmpo could not play due to injury, but his off-court contributions helped the Milwaukee Bucks break through to the NBA Finals.

Brook Lopez scored a playoff career-high 33 points in the Bucks’ Game 5 win, and he did it by harkening back to his days as Brooklyn Brook.

With a strong group effort from start to finish, the Bucks overcame their star’s absence to handle the Hawks and move one win from the NBA Finals.

Trae Young sustained a bone bruise on his right foot in Game 3 and missed Atlanta’s Game 4 victory over the Bucks on Tuesday.

The Bucks’ path to the NBA Finals appeared to open up, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee injury now threatens to derail things.

Lou Williams contemplated retirement after being traded to the Hawks. But Nate McMillan assured Williams the team wanted him to contribute.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out for the rest of the game after suffering a hyperextension in his left knee during the third quarter.