One of the Milwaukee Bucks‘ biggest stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo, found himself at the heart of a rare and controversial moment during the team’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. In a surprising turn, an NBA official called a foul on Antetokounmpo, despite what appeared to be a clean play. The decision ultimately tipped the game in favor of the Hornets, leaving Bucks fans outraged and sparking heated debates across social media.
This latest loss further complicates Milwaukee’s path to the playoffs, as the team now holds a 4-9 record in the regular season. Despite Antetokounmpo’s standout performances, the Bucks have struggled to find consistency, falling short in several recent games.
After the game, Antetokounmpo addressed the media with his trademark composure, refusing to be drawn into the controversy. “I’ve been in the league for 12 years. Rule number one, don’t give away your money. Rule number two, don’t forget rule number one, so I’m not going to comment on that,” he said, alluding to the league’s fines for criticizing officials.
While Antetokounmpo opted to focus on the team’s next matchup, his measured response sent a clear message about his mindset following the disputed call. Unlike his teammate Damian Lillard or coach Doc Rivers, who are more vocal in such situations, Antetokounmpo is channeling his energy into helping the Bucks turn their season around.
Antetokounmpo shines despite controversy
Despite the controversial call, Antetokounmpo’s performances this season continue to be a bright spot for Milwaukee. Through 12 games, he has logged 423 minutes on the floor, amassing an impressive 388 points and 73 assists.
Breaking down those numbers, Antetokounmpo has made 157 field goals, two three-pointers, and converted 72 free throws. These contributions place him as the leading scorer for the Bucks and the third-highest scorer in the entire NBA so far this season.
In the game against the Hornets, while he wasn’t as dominant as in previous outings, Antetokounmpo still posted a strong stat line. He recorded 22 points, secured 15 rebounds—the most by any player in the game—and dished out 12 assists. His efforts weren’t enough to secure the win, but they underscored his critical role in keeping the Bucks competitive.
Crew chief addresses controversial foul call
With just seven seconds left on the clock, referee Curtis Blair, serving as the game’s Crew Chief, faced reporters to explain a contentious foul call that left fans and players fuming.
“During live play, Giannis [Antetokounmpo] was called for illegal leg-to-leg contact on Ball’s drive to the basket,” Blair said, offering a detailed account of the decision made in real-time. However, Blair admitted to an error upon further review. “After the game, when we reviewed the play, we determined there was no illegal contact,” he acknowledged.
The Milwaukee Bucks, out of coach’s challenges at the time, were powerless to overturn the call. The incident added another layer of frustration to what has been a challenging season for the Bucks, as every win is critical in their push to climb the standings.