Statement from NBA official after Bucks' loss to Hornets rubs salt in wound

For the second consecutive game, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was called for a questionable foul in the closing seconds of regulation.

Against the Detroit Pistons, it was clear that the Greek Freak didn't foul Ron Holland II as he went up for a game-winning layup, but without a challenge, there was nothing the Bucks could do. Thankfully, Holland missed both free throws and the Bucks won in overtime. Against Charlotte, it was obvious that Hornets guard LaMelo Ball slipped rather than being fouled by Giannis, but it was called anyway.

Without a challenge, the Bucks could only watch as Ball stepped to the line and sunk two free throws to put his team up by a point. Milwaukee had a chance to win the game after that, but a missed jumper by Antetokounmpo sent them home with a loss. The horrible foul call was not the only major factor in this ugly loss, but there's no doubt that it played a massive part at that point in the game.

Rightfully, Doc Rivers didn't hold back when speaking to the media after the game, calling out the refs. After hearing what an official said after the game, he likely won't be much happier.

NBA officials admit horrible call against Bucks was... a horrible call

After the game, crew chief Curtis Blair admitted that if the Milwaukee Bucks had challenged that call, it would've been overturned. Prior to that, he said, "During live play we called illegal leg to leg contact. During postgame review when we looked at the play there was no illegal contact on the play."

Milwaukee Bucks fans, players and coaches certainly have a right to be frustrated. The fact that this has happened in back-to-back games is flat-out egregious. Had it not been for Holland missing those two free throws, the Bucks could have very well lost that one as well. With all of the other issues they are dealing with this season, primarily health-related, the Bucks don't need a referee issue as well.

With the loss, the Bucks have now dropped to 4-9 on the season. Not all hope is lost, but this one is painful, especially given these comments. Still, there is no turning back time. Now, all they can do is look forward. Hopefully they can do so with a few more bodies in the lineup, as the team has been without several key cogs lately, including Damian Lillard, Ryan Rollins and, of course, Khris Middleton.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.