The Milwaukee Bucks took Game 3 against the Boston Celtics in pretty controversial fashion. Many believe the Celtics should’ve had a shot at overtime.
Saturday evening, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to claim a 2-1 series lead over the Boston Celtics. Game 3 ended up going Milwaukee’s way as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s remarkable effort helped lead the Bucks to a 103-101 win over the Celtics.
But, just because Antetokounmpo was great as the Bucks got the win doesn’t mean things weren’t a little controversial. Referees are generally criticized on a regular basis — that happens frequently. And so, after one rather interesting moment at the end of Game 3, the refs for this game have been heavily criticized by some online.
Here’s the moment in question, when Marcus Smart appears to try to get a shot up and has to deal with a bunch of contact.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 7, 2022
Given how this game ended and considering the final score, it’s no surprise that some are mad about this.
Refs don’t give Boston Celtics a shot at forcing overtime against Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Playoffs
Of course, not everyone sees that as a shooting foul. Many believe that it isn’t and are willing to brush the whole situation off.
This is where the foul happens. Smart still has the option to pass and has not entered his shooting motion. If you actually think this is a shooting foul, you should watch a different sport. pic.twitter.com/8QZFi0X7Fy
— Humbaba, the Tired (@SaunterClause) May 7, 2022
He got him on the arm before Smart started bringing the ball up.
— B. Lopez ☮️ (@bbluno1) May 7, 2022
I thought it was a shooting foul at first, but looking at it more I’ll say this.
— Milos Gasic (@MilosGasic) May 7, 2022
The foul occurs here, Smart hasn’t even gotten 2 feet on to the ground, so I’m assuming the refs are considering that as Smart still gathering the ball and therefore not shooting yet pic.twitter.com/fXnXpNv1dd
But others don’t see it that way. It’s shocking that people on the internet don’t necessarily agree on everything!
The whole situation is a bit of a mess and the good folks up in Boston really aren’t all that thrilled with the way the game ended. That includes Ime Udoka, the head coach of the Celtics. Here’s what he had to say about how the game came to an end Saturday evening.
Ime Udoka on the Marcus Smart play late in the 4th: "It was a foul... poor no call... Bad missed call." pic.twitter.com/C2OATuxlL3
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 7, 2022
It’ll be interesting to see how the Celtics respond to this one. This series has been fascinating to keep up with and it’s definitely going to be interesting to watch how this unfolds.