In a heart-stopper at Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Bucks fell narrowly to the Charlotte Hornets, 115-114, following a controversial foul call against Giannis Antetokounmpo in the closing seconds. This loss adds another layer of frustration for the Bucks, who faced similar officiating issues in their previous matchup.
Final Seconds Controversy
The game reached a fever pitch with mere seconds left on the clock. The Bucks, trailing by one, saw reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo called for a foul on LaMelo Ball as he drove to the basket. With Milwaukee out of challenges, the team could only watch as Ball sank both free throws. The Bucks had a final chance for a game-winning shot, but Antetokounmpo's jumper missed its mark.
The impact of that call was immediate and significant. Official Curtis Blair admitted postgame that upon reviewing the play, they found no illegal contact, stating, "During live play, we called illegal leg-to-leg contact. During postgame review, when we looked at the play, there was no illegal contact on the play." The admission, however, was that small solace for the Bucks who had another game slip through their fingers due to officiating errors.
A Season of Struggles
The Bucks now find themselves at 4-9, languishing in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Their recent overtime win over the Detroit Pistons also came under a cloud of officiating error, as the NBA's Last Two Minute Report later confirmed a pivotal call in that matchup was incorrect.
Head Coach Doc Rivers expressed his exasperation at the pattern of missed calls affecting outcomes, "I thought the final play was the ref blowing the call. This is back-to-back games now where on the final play there's been an incorrect call made. LaMelo Ball fell. He just fell down."
Free Throw Disparity
The Bucks also faced adversity in their free throw opportunities, a factor Rivers was quick to address. The Hornets enjoyed a 21 to 11 advantage at the line, with Antetokounmpo drawing just one solitary free throw all game. Rivers pointed to a specific moment earlier in the contest, highlighting, "Go back three plays when Giannis dunked. The whole team fouled him, and it's a no-call."
Missing the Stars
Adding to Milwaukee's woes, key players Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton were absent, leaving a significant hole in their lineup. The Bucks had hoped that Giannis’ stellar play might carry them through, but the late drama proved too much to overcome.
Looking Forward
With their record already on shaky ground, the Bucks must now rally without delay as they navigate a tumultuous early season. For the Bucks, the immediate focus is correcting their play on the court, but there is a growing sense of a need for fairness and consistency from the league's officiating to ensure a level playing field in future contests.