Damian Lillard of the Bucks Responds to Controversial Call in Loss to Rockets

The Milwaukee Bucks lost 100-97 to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, and Damian Lillard expressed his frustration over a key moment he believes affected the outcome. Lillard contends that a late foul called against him should have resulted in a shooting foul, awarding him three free throws instead of just two.

The game’s officiating crew chief, Tony Brothers, provided an explanation for the call in a pool report with Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. “The contact occurred prior to the upward shooting motion,” Brothers stated.

Lillard disagreed with the decision and shared his perspective on the situation through Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

“They almost didn’t call it because I timed it so well,” Lillard said. “I picked it up and shot it as he fouled me. I understand their perspective, but when I heard them call a foul right away, I made the smarter play. I definitely thought it should have been three free throws.”

In the game, Lillard finished with 22 points, one rebound, three assists, and one steal, shooting 7-of-22 from the field and 4-of-11 from beyond the arc.

The Bucks return to action on Thursday when they host the Denver Nuggets at 7 p.m. CT.