Frustration was on full display as the Boston Celtics mercilessly beat the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week, especially late in the game.
When the game had already been decided, Thanasis Antetokounmpo headbutted Blake Griffin and was ejected. Many thought the ejection and eventual fine would be a fitting punishment, but NBA officials wanted to seemingly send a message, and understandably so. Antetokounmpo has been suspended for one game for his late-game headbutt. The Bucks will now be without the veteran small forward for Sunday’s crucial game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers at home.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Thanasis Antetokounmpo suspended for one game
Antetokounmpo’s suspension might not make a major difference on the floor for the Bucks, given his minimal role, but the team may miss his presence. Thanasis is always the loudest Buck on the sidelines and has served as a motivating force, especially for Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s quite well-liked in the locker room, and the players will miss him for this next matchup, which is a big one for the Bucks in their quest to lock up the East’s top seed over their final few regular season games.
Antetokounmpo has always played with a bit of an edge and infinite intensity, but he took it a tad too far this time. There just wasn’t any need for it in a game that was decided long before due to a sluggish start by Milwaukee. Hopefully, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo can put this little incident behind them and move forward, as there are certainly more important things going on during this pivotal time of the NBA season.
The Bucks will head into Sunday’s meeting against the Philadelphia 76ers with a 55-22 record and a 1.5 game lead over the Boston Celtics for the East’s top seed. With five regular season games on the schedule, things are tight in the standings, and the Bucks need to bounce back following a vile loss to Boston on Sunday. Hopefully, Milwaukee’s energy is much more vibrant to start this game against a rivaling Philadelphia team.
Be sure to catch the must-see action between Milwaukee and Philadelphia at 7:00 p.m. CST on Bally Sports Wisconsin.