Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball’s late-game foul call sparked frustration from Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers in a narrow 115-114 Hornets victory.
Rivers criticized the officiating after the game, calling the decision “an incorrect call” and expressing disappointment with back-to-back controversial rulings in critical moments.
With 7.3 seconds remaining, Ball drew a foul on Giannis Antetokounmpo and made both free throws, sealing Charlotte’s win.
After the game, crew chief Curtis Blair admitted postgame review revealed “no illegal contact” on the play, via ESPN. Milwaukee, without challenges left, had no way to overturn the call.
Ball, who scored 19 of his 26 points in the second half, displayed poise under pressure, helping the Hornets improve to 5-7.
Meanwhile, the Bucks dropped to 4-9, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first triple-double of the season with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists.
Antetokounmpo’s frustration was evident as he missed a potential game-winning jumper at the buzzer.
Rivers argued that Ball simply slipped and fell on the decisive play, saying, “Nobody was near him. He slipped on his own.”
The Hornets also received significant contributions from Miles Bridges, who returned after a three-game absence, tallying 19 points and seven rebounds.
Moussa Diabate’s effort off the bench was pivotal, tying a franchise record with 10 offensive rebounds and securing 14 total boards to go along with 12 points.
For Milwaukee, Taurean Prince led with 23 points, while Bobby Portis added 21 off the bench. Despite their efforts, the Bucks were unable to overcome Charlotte’s rebounding dominance, as the Hornets held a 53-40 edge on the glass.
The Hornets’ ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities proved decisive, as they exploited the Bucks’ undermanned frontcourt.
Missing Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard, Milwaukee struggled to find offensive rhythm beyond Antetokounmpo’s playmaking.
This marked the second consecutive game where Rivers felt officiating played a key role in the outcome. The Bucks had narrowly escaped a similar situation in Detroit when a missed call at the end of regulation went unpunished due to missed free throws by the Pistons.
