Damian Lillard has expressed his frustration following the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent game against the Charlotte Hornets, where referees admitted to a critical error in judgment. After the admission, the All-Star point guard made a blunt statement, highlighting the impact of officiating on such pivotal moments in the season.
In a tightly contested game, the Charlotte Hornets narrowly defeated Milwaukee with a score of 115-114, showcasing a thrilling finish that captivated fans. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with a strong performance, scoring 19 of his 26 points in the second half. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo achieving his first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists, the team fell just short in the final moments.
Milwaukee started strong, leading 39-33 after the first quarter, but their momentum waned as the game progressed. By the end of the second quarter, the Hornets had closed the gap and took a slim lead into halftime. The second half saw back-and-forth play, with both teams trading leads, but it was Ball’s late-game heroics that ultimately made the difference.
In a pivotal moment, the team was ahead by one point with just 19 seconds left after a three-pointer from Pat Connaughton. However, the Hornets regained control when Ball drove to the basket and drew a foul on Antetokounmpo. Ball sank both free throws, giving Charlotte a two-point lead with only 7.3 seconds remaining.
Despite a last-chance opportunity, Antetokounmpo’s potential game-winning jumper rimmed out, sealing the Bucks’ fate. Milwaukee’s struggles continued, leaving them with a disappointing 4-9 record as they look to rebound in their next matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Drops Honest Statement After Referees’ Blunder Against Charlotte Hornets
After the game, the league released a report about the controversial call. In a screenshot grabbed from the All-Star point guard’s social media account, Lillard blasted the officials for Milwaukee’s loss.
Damian Lillard on the pool report after the wrong call on Giannis in loss to Hornets: “How does this help when the game has been lost?” pic.twitter.com/sMgAZKDxRR
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) November 17, 2024
Milwaukee’s narrow loss led to Lillard voicing his disappointment regarding the officiating, particularly a crucial foul call against Antetokounmpo. As a result, his team has slid further in the Eastern Conference standings.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges teams face with refereeing decisions, underscoring the need for improved clarity and consistency in officiating to protect the integrity of the game. As the season progresses, these discussions will remain vital for players and fans alike.
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