"This league is becoming soft" - NBA fans slam Bucks' bench for not having Giannis Antetokounmpo's back after Isaiah Stewart's flagrant foul

NBA: Detroit Pistons at Milwaukee Bucks - Source: Imagn
NBA fans slam Bucks' bench for not having Giannis Antetokounmpo's back after Isaiah Stewart's flagrant foul (Image Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)

Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated during Wednesday's 127-120 overtime home win over the Detroit Pistons. The two-time MVP overcame a third-quarter Flagrant 2 foul by Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart. However, Antetokounmpo's teammates' failure to come to his defense left NBA fans baffled.

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Antetokounmpo finished with an NBA season-high 59 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, two steals and three blocks, shooting 61.8%. His standout performance helped Milwaukee rally from an 18-point second-half deficit to force overtime, where his squad prevailed, outscoring Detroit 16-9.

Fortunately for the eight-time All-Star, he avoided a serious injury earlier in the contest. Late in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo rolled to the basket and received a feed from teammate Pat Connaughton. Afterward, Stewart and Pistons wing Wendell Moore Jr. promptly double-teamed him.

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Following a shot fake, Antetokounmpo attempted to finish at the rim. However, Stewart grabbed his jersey with two hands and pulled him to the ground from behind.

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Antetokounmpo laid on the court and collected himself as a few of his teammates exchanged words with Stewart. However, no Bucks players responded physically. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's bench stayed in place, likely to avoid picking up suspensions.

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While Stewart was assessed a Flagrant 2 and ejected, most fans on X/Twitter weren't satisfied. Instead, they called out the Bucks for not having Antetokounmpo’s back.

"And no one on the Bucks' bench went to check Stew? This league is becoming soft," @sc6rin said.
"Back in the day, the entire bench would've been out there on Stewart. By tomorrow, a suspension will be in effect," @SWEETESTHEART74 wrote.
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"And no one stood up for Giannis, LMAO," @imjusfat said.
"Ain't nobody checked him after that?" @certified_amar wrote.

Meanwhile, others quipped that Antetokounmpo needed his brother, ex-Milwaukee forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, there to defend him.

"Giannis looking around for Thanasis like, '(Are) you gonna let him do that?'" @F3SUP said.
"(Stewart's) lucky Thanasis (was) not there," @coastdaarawak wrote.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo says Isaiah Stewart's flagrant foul was "not a basketball play"

During his postgame interview, Giannis Antetokounmpo touched on Isaiah Stewart's Flagrant 2 foul. The 2021 NBA champion noted that he is used to playing through physicality and it "doesn't really faze (him) anymore."

Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo added that Stewart could have severely injured him.

"At the same time, it's a dangerous play. That's not a basketball play," Antetokounmpo said. "I think the refs did a great job of making the right call."
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Wednesday's victory marked Milwaukee's (4-8) second straight following its rough 2-8 start. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. will look to maintain their momentum on Saturday when they visit the Charlotte Hornets (4-7).


Also Read: Giannis Antetokounmpo's wife Mariah Antetokounmpo gushes over Bucks star with a special shoutout

Milwaukee Bucks Fans? Check out the latest Milwaukee Bucks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Tristan Rawcliffe
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