The Celtics didn’t have much to gain by taking down a struggling team like the Bucks. While it’s still early days in the season, persistent rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded away from the only NBA team he’s ever known shows how messy Milwaukee’s current situation is.
However, Milwaukee’s hazy future as a franchise doesn’t take away from how the C’s still had to take down a team with decent basketball players to get the win. Aside from the mental games their opponents tried to play against them, Joe Mazzulla makes a daring accusation over the questionable refereeing standards during the 113-107 win.
Joe Mazzulla is mad over a missed foul call on Jayson Tatum during the Celtics’ win vs. the Bucks
Boston fans who watched the game would remember a moment during the third quarter of how Antetokounmpo moved a foot into Jayson Tatum’s landing spot after the latter’s three-point attempt. The action caused the one-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist to turn his ankle.
While the incident didn’t cause the Boston superstar to leave the game, it left a bitter taste in Mazzulla’s mouth. The head coach didn’t hesitate to drag both the Greek Freak and the referees for the missed call.
“That’s ridiculous,” the Celtics head coach told reporters. “You can’t miss that. You can’t miss that. … That’s something that’s got to be (called) because it could have hurt him. He’s hurt an ankle before. That could have got him (this) time. But credit to him for handling it the right way.”
Tatum echoed his coach’s call for better officiating, saying that it should have been an obvious foul for anyone who has eyes:
“There are certain calls you can’t miss,” Tatum said, via MassLive.com. “Your job is to protect the guys on the court, protect the shooter. That’s something I could have been out for six weeks or whatever. For it to be a no-call, let alone they didn’t even get to review it or look at it, right?”
Tatum had a good night against the Bucks, finishing with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists despite shooting at a subpar 7-for-21 on the floor. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo had an impressive stat line of 43 points, 13 boards, and five dimes on an 18-for-29 FG clip.
Given how controversial this game has been for both sides, fans can expect the next game between the two to be just as exciting.
For More Content
For questions and opportunities, message me at [email protected]. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
