Parents across the globe can all relate to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Ok, maybe not exactly in terms of athletic ability and skill, but in parenting terms.
Following the Bucks' two-point win over the Celtics at Fiserv Forum on Saturday night, Antetokounmpo, who was in MVP form finishing with 42 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, was asked about some of the questionable calls that went against the Bucks down the stretch.
Antetokounmpo made it pretty clear that he wanted to criticize the referees but wisely decided to save his money instead.
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“How much does it cost if I say something, a comment about the refs?” replied Antetokounmpo. “Is it $20,000? It’s a lot of money. So, I should not do it. I’ll save my money. I’ve got to pay for diapers.”
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo: “How much does it cost if I say something, a comment about the refs? Is it $20,000? It’s a lot of money. So, I should not do it. I’ll save my money. I’ve got to pay for diapers.” pic.twitter.com/xOQKTQVYXi
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 7, 2022
he two-time MVP and father of two picked up three fouls in the first half and finished with four in the Bucks' Game 3 win. The Bucks were whistled for eight fouls in the fourth quarter including three on Jrue Holiday. The Celtics finished with an 11-0 advantage in free throw attempts during the final frame with their three misses from the charity stripe proving costly with the two-point final margin.
Antetokounmpo signed a five-year, $228 million contract in 2021 so money is clearly not an issue, but it's good to see he still doesn't want to throw money away needlessly. Especially when it seems like those fines will be going directly to his opponents instead.
Celtics' coach Ime Udoka was also upset about the officiating after his team's loss and claimed that he is going to teach his players how to flop more effectively so they can be on the receiving end of charge calls.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday in Milwaukee. The Bucks will be looking to claim a decisive 3-1 advantage before the series shifts back to Boston.
