Giannis Antetokounmpo thought he was seriously injured when he hyperextended his knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

"I thought I would be out for a year," Antetokounmpo said.

The Milwaukee Bucks eliminated the Atlanta Hawks in six games.

"It was tough," Antetokounmpo said, describing what he went through over the past week to return to the court. "Obviously I had to do my best to get back. Listen to my medical staff. I did the right treatment. Took care of my body and supported my teammates, and now I'm back."

Antetokounmpo said that until his MRI last Wednesday, he was convinced he'd face an extended absence.

"I couldn't walk, and my knee was like double the size," Antetokounmpo said. "Usually I never swell up. But you know, I woke up the next day, did whatever it's called, MRI or X-ray -- I don't know what it's called -- and they said I'm good. And I was like, 'Thank God.'

"But at the end of the day, it's like all the medical staff and the strength and conditioning team, they have done a great job throughout the year to keep me healthy, and all the work we've put in, that's why it wasn't as bad, you know, because of all the work I've put in throughout the years, I'm happy.

"I'm not trying to make it about me, and hopefully in Game 2, I'll feel better."