Doc Rivers is not happy with how the referees are officiating Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks‘ best player is not getting fair treatment in his eyes, and he wanted everyone to know it after a game against the Pacers.
The Bucks lost a game against Toronto on the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Pacers. Clearly, they were emotionally drained after winning that game for Myles Turner. Despite winning that game, Rivers was not happy with how Antetokounmpo was officiated.
Milwaukee lost by 28 points to the Raptors, and Antetokounmpo shot just six free throws in this game. Against Indiana on Monday, Antetokounmpo shot nine free throws. During his postgame press conference, Rivers ripped the officials for how they were treating his star player.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 30: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 30, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Rips Officials Over Giannis Antetokounmpo Treatment
Rivers did not hold back, claiming the referees told him he was getting hit but playing through it, so no fouls were called.
“Well, the update is call the foul. That’s the update. Giannis drove to the basket and got completely wiped out. Watch the video. I mean, he got completely wiped out, and it’s a no-call. It’s amazing the difference in how Giannis is officiated. One of the refs even said, “Yeah, they’re hitting his arms, but he’s playing through it.”
Rivers was not happy with what he perceived as bias against his best player. Antetokounmpo shoots the third-most free throws per game in the NBA this season, shooting 10 per game. Last season, he shot by far the most, shooting 10.6 per game.
It’s clear this rant didn’t have much effect on the officials, as Antetokounmpo shot fewer free throws against the Raptors than he did the night before. Rivers will almost certainly get fined for this rant, but he clearly doesn’t care. He’s trying to protect his player.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 28: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 28, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Wants More Foul Calls
So far this season, the Bucks have taken the fifth-fewest free throws of any team in the NBA. Rivers wants to put it in the officials’ minds that his team is getting treated unfairly in that regard so that they can get more trips to the free-throw line.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t let this supposed lack of fouling affect his offensive production. He is the third-leading scorer in the NBA, scoring over 32 points per game. The Bucks have played well as a team, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference standings at this point in the year.
Rivers might be coaching for his job this season after the Bucks were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round in each of the last two postseasons. He knows he needs a deep run to keep his spot on the team. Fighting for as many wins as he can now will improve their seeding, giving him a better shot at advancing.
Milwaukee will continue to give Antetokounmpo the ball in as many advantageous positions as possible to get fouled. Still, Antetokounmpo is shooting only 62 percent from the charity stripe so far.
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