The Milwaukee Bucks’ disappointing start to the season took yet another turn Saturday in Charlotte.
The Bucks lost 115-114 to the Charlotte Hornets after a controversial foul call on Giannis Antetokounmpo sent Hornets star LaMelo Ball to the free-throw line with 7.3 seconds remaining. Though Ball appeared to trip over his own feet on a drive, Antetokounmpo was whistled for impeding Ball’s progress. The Bucks could not challenge the call because they had already used their challenge earlier in the game.
Ball sunk the go-ahead free throws to give Charlotte the lead and eventually drop the Bucks to 4-9 on the season.
“There was clearly not a foul,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “When you watch the video, the ref was blocked out by one of our players. You can’t guess at the end of the game. Both teams have played too hard.”
The Bucks still had a chance to regain the lead on the final possession, but Antetokounmpo missed an 18-foot jumper and Milwaukee failed to secure the rebound. Antetokounmpo finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists.
“I’ve been in the league, this is my 12th year. Rule Number One: Don’t give away your money,” Antetokounmpo said about the foul. “Rule Number Two: Don’t forget rule number one. So, I’m not going to comment on that.”
When asked about the last miss by Antetokounmpo, Rivers instead went in on the officiating. He said it was the second game in a row where officials made the incorrect call at the end, referencing a foul call on a last-second lob play in Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. (The Bucks won in overtime after Detroit rookie Ron Holland missed two free throws).
“The free throws were 21 to 11 in their favor in a game that Giannis played. Giannis took one free throw,” Rivers said. “Go back three plays when Giannis dunked. The whole team fouled him. And it’s a no-call.”
“Giannis was in the paint the whole night,” Rivers said later. “Someone explain to me how Giannis gets one free throw?”
The Hornets improved to 5-7 with the victory over the Bucks, who played without Damian Lillard (concussion protocol) and Khris Middleton (ankle injury).
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Jim Dedmon / Imagn Images)
