“Chet on the floor in pain and you’re still glazing a layup” It was only two weeks ago when commentators Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike faced backlash over a remark they made against Chet Holmgren. The comments would have worked anywhere else. However, it didn’t help that someone made them while the player was on the floor, wincing in pain. Such incidents are rare, but easily catch the attention of millions of eagle-eyed viewers with equally trained ears watching the games live every night. Now, within the same month, history has repeated itself at Grant Williams’ expense.

Yesterday, the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Charlotte Hornets. As Grant Williams proceeded to make a lay-up, he fell after colliding with Brook Lopez. He got up, but ended up limping towards his teammates and officials to get himself checked. The commentators did not seem to catch the ‘vibe’ of the situation, as one stated “And that’s a turnover too”, while another stated “Here’s the crazy thing. I have felt like he had been flopping a few times tonight, and now that a cramp might have rolled his ankle, might have something, but sure did look like a flop as well.”

Well, unless a torn ACL comes on the same level as a flop, the commentators got things wrong there. Fortunately, after watching the replay, they attempted to rectify their remarks. Unfortunately, it was already too late by then.

How did fans react to the commentators’ remarks towards Grant Williams?

One social media user called out the mistake by stating “If he stayed on the ground then sure, call it a flop, but once a guy isnt looking at the ref but at his bench while signalling and limping, how do you not realise its not a flop?”

Despite the ailment that Williams developed, how he fell would have convinced the commentators that it may have been a flop. It was only two years ago, during a Warriors-Bucks matchup, when the player drew an offensive foul after falling with minimal contact by Kevon Looney. Therefore, it is not as if the player hasn’t flopped before, convincing the commentators that it may have been a repeat. However, as explained in a video by Chaz NBA, the commentators rectified their stance and acknowledged the seriousness of the injury.

One individual took a straight shot at the people calling out the games, stating “Clown announcers fire them both.” Once again, there is no denying that the duo got things wrong. However, after they choose to rectify their mistake, do they still deserve to be at the end of the stick? After all, their commentary did not affect the workings of the game, right?

As it turned out, however, the issue may be more deep-rooted than one would think. One viewer indicated what things may have been about, by writing “I hate commentators like this, least bias ones are the Lakers & Knicks commentators the others are just unwatchable on their teams broadcast LOL.”

Reports of bias amongst NBA commentators aren’t anything new. People have called out such instances in the past. From articles claiming that Austin Carr favors the Cleveland Cavaliers due to his history with them, to Tommy Heinsohn reportedly favoring the Boston Celtics. Given that the Bucks-Hornets game took place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, bias instances would have been easier to pop up. However, till now, there has been nothing to indicate something like this from the duo.

One individual attempted to sympathize with Grant Williams by writing “Damn that’s crazy man. Yet another season-ending injury this season.” The 2024-25 season has seen several injuries popping up amongst players of several franchises. From Stephen Curry’s ankle and knee ailments to Joel Embiid’s recent knee swelling, each day brings with it new twists for the All-Stars. However, their condition isn’t as bad when compared to Taylor Hendricks and De’Anthony Melton. After all, season-ending injuries have now sidelined both of them. Hendricks sustained a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle, while Melton sustained an ACL Sprain. With Williams developing an ACL tear, which is more serious than a sprain, there is no doubt about him being sidelined for the rest of the season.

Another individual took a shot at the ones calling out the games, and wrote “As a bucks fan I hate our commentators.” The Milwaukee Bucks squad hasn’t been too successful in giving fans what they need this season. After six consecutive seasons of occupying high spots on the NBA points table, it seems that the same may not occur by the end of this regular season. After all, Giannis Antetokounmpo and co only hold on to an 8-9 record currently. Therefore, it doesn’t help the fans when another issue arises against the team.

Overall, the reactions were negative towards the commentators, with others sympathizing with Grant Williams. The recent loss took the Charlotte Hornets’ record to 6-10 and left them in a deeper hole with the power forward getting sidelined. We will see the long-term consequences that the franchise faces when playing without Williams.