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The Atlanta Hawks were dismayed by the officiating crew in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals for failing to enforce Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo's apparent free-throw violations.
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported the Hawks are expressing frustrating at the fact officials are looking the other way when Antetokounmpo exceeds the 10-second limit at the line:
“So, why does this matter now? Because sources say the Atlanta Hawks are not happy that the league is continuing to look the other way on the matter in the Eastern Conference finals,” Amick wrote. “In the Hawks’ Game 1 116-113 win over the Bucks on Wednesday, Antetokounmpo — by the Hawks’ internal count — ranged between 11.5 seconds and 13.3 seconds on his eight attempts but wasn’t whistled once.”
Some might remember Brooklyn Nets fans at the Barclays Center beginning a count as soon as Antetokounmpo stepped to the line during the Bucks' seven-game series win in the conference semifinals. Giannis' routine has even become something of a meme.
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The Hawks, though, hardly find it to be amusing.
Atlanta took Game 1 in Milwaukee behind 48 points from Trae Young. However, there appears to be a sense things might not have been as tight had officials whistled Antetokounmpo for a violation rather than go through the motions at the charity stripe. The Bucks star went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line.
It's interesting that the shoe is on the other foot for the Hawks, so to speak. Remember, New York Knicks head coach previously suggested Young himself was officiated differently in Game 1 of the first-round series between the two teams. “Ice Trae” has also been one of the presumed motivations for the NBA implementing new foul-baiting measures this season.
Keep an eye on Antetokounmpo when he's at the line in Game 2 of what should be a fascinating series between the Hawks and Bucks.
