Reason why opposing fans are counting while Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the free throw line

One of the interesting storylines in the NBA Playoffs is the fact that Milwaukee Bucks star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo of Athens, Greece was called for a 10-second violation for taking too long in a free-throw attempt. The violation occurred with one minute and six seconds left in game one of the Bucks series against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, a contest the Bucks won 109-107 in overtime on May 22.

Even the hard core basketball fan may be surprised that there is a 10-second rule for a free throw attempt. That is because the rule is seldom called, if ever. However, in the Bucks’ first game of the 2021 postseason, Antetokounmpo was called for the violation, and as a result only got one free throw attempt rather than two shots.

Ever since the Bucks’ playoff opener, Antetokounmpo has heard opposing fans now count to 10 as he lines up for his free throw attempt to get him off his game. Even when the Bucks were playing the Brooklyn Nets in the second round, Brooklyn put up a 10-second clock when Antetokounmpo was about to shoot. This was later squashed by the NBA.

One must also realize Antetokounmpo is not a very good free-throw shooter. He is only shooting .550 in 17 playoff games, and has made only 83 free throws in 151 attempts. Antetokounmpo’s free throw shooting is only at .522 on the road and is at .590 at home.

As the Bucks and Suns series progresses, Phoenix will continue to foul Antetokounmpo on purpose, knowing his free throw struggles. What the Bucks need, is strong production from the 2020 NBA MVP in other areas, such as his field goal shooting and rebounding. Now you know why the fans count to 10.

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