NBA says refs missed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s FT violations
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals at Fiserv Forum on June 23, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Patrick McDermott/Getty Images/AFP
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals said that Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo should have been called for a 10-second violation on each of a pair of late-game free throws.
“Antetokounmpo (MIL) takes longer than ten seconds to release his free throw attempt,” the report reads for two foul shots Antetokounmpo took with 5.3 seconds remaining Wednesday in the Bucks’ 116-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Article continues after this advertisementThey were the only calls marked as incorrect on the report. Had the game officials called the violation properly, in the league’s view, then neither free throw would have counted.
Antetokounmpo was sent to the line with the Bucks trailing by three and made both foul shots. Had they not counted, Atlanta would have maintained that lead and had a stress-free finish.
Trae Young sank a pair of free throws after Antetokounmpo’s foul shots to preserve the three-point victory.
Article continues after this advertisementAntetokounmpo, the NBA MVP in 2018-19 and 2019-20, was whistled for a 10-second violation twice in this postseason — in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat and in Game 3 of the conference semifinals against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Greek big man has made only 56 of 101 free throws this postseason, a rate of 55.4 percent. That includes a meager 48.3 percent (29 of 60) during the Nets series.
