USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) attempts a basket against the Boston Celtics during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) attempts a basket against the Boston Celtics during the first half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks had a rough start to their 2020-21 NBA campaign. They lost by just 1 point in a tightly fought battle at TD Garden against the Boston Celtics. However, they did have a chance to send the game to overtime; unfortunately, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the clutch free throw.
In general, Giannis had a decent enough game, scoring 35 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Furthermore, the Greek Freak maintained his shooting percentage, going 50% from the field. But despite the sensational performance, it all came down to nothing.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) trips over Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
With 0.4 seconds left on the clock, he was sent to the line with a chance to level the scores, but this was a relief for the Celtics. Giannis is not known for his prowess from the charity stripe, and he choked on the game tying free-throw.
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Giannis misses potential game-tying FTs pic.twitter.com/kzRHrO5vMH
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2020
Furthermore, this came right after the dagger by Jayson Tatum, who put the Celtics ahead by 2 points in the first place. Tatum dug deep into his bag to hit the game-winning shot, while the reigning DPOY was guarding him. Due to these back-to-back plays, Giannis is receiving flak from NBA fans.
Twitter reacts to Giannis missing clutch free throw
NBA fans are ruthless when a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo messes up the game. This time was no different: Twitter was quick to react to Giannis’ blunder in the dying minutes of the game.
Giannis deserved to make both free throws to tie. JTatum had just lucked in a deep wing three off the glass over a great defensive lunge by Giannis to win it for Boston.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 24, 2020
Giannis found himself in LeBron's worst nightmare scenario: down 2 at Boston shooting 2 free throws to force overtime with .4 left. Made the first, left the second short.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 24, 2020
That’s a classic case of Ball Don’t Lie. Giannis shouldn’t have been at the line in the first place. #BucksCeltics
— Michael Holley (@MichaelSHolley) December 24, 2020
“Did Giannis shot hit the rim?” pic.twitter.com/ZOriIw8w1X
— trevor trout (@totaltroutmove) December 24, 2020
NOT AGAIN. not the first game after the supermax. oh man.
— Wobson Tatum (@WorldWideWob) December 24, 2020
“Giannis with a free throw to tie it” pic.twitter.com/qEgpdA015l
— Stephen A. Smith Burner (@SASBurnerAcct) December 24, 2020
Yo just saw that Giannis free throw shot anybody know if he was lagging or some shit?
— Troydan (@Troydan) December 24, 2020
The rim when Giannis shot that second free throw: pic.twitter.com/Sa9WYXqGpo
— Wale A. (@Wale_Based) December 24, 2020
Giannis at the free throw line: pic.twitter.com/hri1f9uA88
— Rosa Parks’ Burner Account (@Rosasburner) December 24, 2020
Giannis with the free throw to tie the game! 🧱🧱🧱#NBA #Bucks #Celtics #NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/fGsDaHsNAk
— BUSR (@PlayBUSR) December 24, 2020
Giannis in the locker room after missing game tying free throw #bucks #celtics pic.twitter.com/FZQRYkkQ7B
— 🚫 No Baseball Podcast 😷 (@nobaseballpod) December 24, 2020
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Hopefully, the Greek Freak can come back stronger in the next game and lead the Bucks to a win. This season is really important for him; otherwise, some might even start labeling him as a ‘Playoff Choker’.
What’s next for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks?
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The best way for Giannis to recover might be to just put this close defeat behind his back. Every team likes to begin the season on a winning note, and the Bucks gave it their all. They erased a double-point lead in the final quarter behind a stellar performance by Giannis and Jrue Holiday.
Moving ahead, they just need to keep up the same level of energy and the Bucks will be right on track.
