Controversial calls surround Giannis Antetokounmpo in Bucks’ bubble-opening win
Giannis #Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks opened their season reboot with a 119-112 win over the Boston Celtics, but some Celtics fans might have a gripe with how the final minutes play off.
Bucks MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo was at the center of multiple controversial calls as the Bucks closed out the game, starting with a questionable non-call on what looked like goaltending from the Greek Freak.
The real drama commenced with two-and-a-half minutes remaining when Antetokounmpo tried to move through a screen set by Boston center Daniel Theis. The result of the play was what looked liked hard contact to an … unfortunate area on Theis’ body.
That play led to a whistle from officials, who determined Antetokounmpo had not committed a “hostile act.” In doing so, they also told Celtics coach Brad Stevens they could not a call a personal foul after, which was not insignificant as Antetokounmpo was on his fifth foul. One more would have removed the reigning MVP from the game.
A few plays later, Antetokounmpo found himself with the ball on offense and did his usual thing, driving from the top of the perimeter for a pretty lay-up. However, as Antetokounmpo took flight, Celtics guard Marcus Smart took position between him and the basket, leading to the classic block or charge conundrum.
Initially called a charge, the call was later overturned to a blocking foul with an and-1 for Antetokounmpo, again avoiding a foul-out. The subsequent free throw gave the Bucks a 113-110 lead with 1:28 remaining in the game.
Another angle of the play showed how close the call was. Smart had his left foot initially in the restricted area when Antetokounmpo put his shot up, then pulled it out as contact occurred.
The Bucks coasted to a win from there, with Antetokounmpo finishing with an MVP-esque 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. Obviously, a lot more went into that than some favorable calls, especially when Antetokounmpo’s fifth foul seemed to be of the phantom variety.
Smart was still wasn’t happy about the call, and threw out an interesting theory after the game.
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