By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Miami Heat went up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Milwaukee Bucks thanks to a couple of free throws sank by Jimmy Butler with no time remaining on the clock. Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed the controversial foul called against him following Wednesday’s tilt.
“I haven’t seen the play. I have to go watch the play again,” confessed the 2019 NBA MVP, “I tried to make it tough for Jimmy. The refs said there was contact. Maybe there was. It is what it is. I tried to contest the shot but they said there was contact.”
The Bucks including Antetokounmpo were left unable to react as Butler executed the game-winning free throws. “I was just trying to see if it was before the time was over or after. Just waiting for the decision,” said the Bucks leader.
“I feel like it was the right play,” he added commenting on his effort to contain Butler, “I’ve done this multiple times in my career. When the opponent is dribbling in and getting his rhythm he’s not going to pass the ball, he is going to shoot the ball.”
A series of tough calls down the stretch made out a second victory for the Heat ahead of Friday’s Game 3. The Bucks were down six points with less than 20 seconds left but nearly completed an improbable comeback and knotted Game 2 at 114 with three free throws by Khris Middleton after a debated foul.
“It’s tough to go out like that,” said Middleton regarding the last play, “They just said it was a foul with no time.”
“The shot was released with time remaining. The judgment of the officials, the foul occurred I guess some point when he landed and there was enough to warrant a foul,” noted head coach Mike Budenholzer, “It’s not an easy job. I have a lot of respect for the officials. We have our way of seeing things. We are going to disagree but we need to shift our attention to Game 3 and get prepared for that.”
A must-win Game 3 is the focus of the Greek Freak as well. Despite the 2-0 hole, Antetokounmpo maintains his side is more than adept to win the best-of-seven series and earn a spot in the Eastern Conference finals.
“Its always going to be about us,” he pointed out, “It’s not about what the other team is going to do. It’s how we can get better and not do the same mistakes.”
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