Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected in the third quarter of Wednesday night’s win over the Pistons, earning his second technical foul of the game after an emphatic reaction to a dunk over Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart.
Antetokounmpo went coast-to-coast, slamming down an impressive dunk before briefly staring down Stewart and doing the “too small” celebration on his way back up the court.
The post-dunk gestures earned him the second technical foul call, which is grounds for an automatic ejection, and Antetokounmpo and NBA fans alike couldn’t believe the officiating on the play.
Here’s the impressive dunk by Antetokounmpo in transition, along with the celebration that earned him the technical.
Giannis given his second technical and ejected for this pic.twitter.com/16NsuNXrSg
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 9, 2023
Naturally, social media exploded, initially for the dunk, but the ire of the fans turned quickly to the over officiating of Antetokounmpo that sent him to the locker room.
Here are the best reactions from X (formerly Twitter) following Antetokounmpo’s questionable ejection in Milwaukee’s 120–118 victory.
Bad look for the NBA. Baseline referee was looking right at the play and let it go. Then another one comes in from half court and t’s Giannis up. Pretty weak. pic.twitter.com/6vUPGEGOov
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) November 9, 2023
one of the weaker techs of all time https://t.co/y7JfVNQenD
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) November 9, 2023
The NBA is not soft, the refs are 🤦🏾♂️
— D’Courtland Christian (DC) (@Dcrealspill) November 9, 2023
I hate how refs in all sports are penalizing players for showing the smallest bit of emotion
— ☔️ (@wezzyupnext) November 9, 2023
That ref should be suspended without pay.
— RGT 85 (@RGT_85) November 9, 2023
That ref has no respect. Wouldn’t even give me an explanation
— Brandon Blanco (@BrandonBlancoFF) November 9, 2023
You know the ref is wrong when HE can’t even look Giannis in the eye. My guy you made the call??
— Emily Kate (@EmSportsTakes) November 9, 2023
