'Can't believe it': NBA fans stunned by unthinkable Playoffs 'choke'
The Milwaukee Bucks have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday.
Trae Young scored 48 points, Clint Capela converted a go-ahead putback with 29.8 seconds left and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Bucks 116-113 to take a 1-0 lead.
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The Hawks improved to 6-2 in road playoff games this year and handed the Bucks their first home loss of the postseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored the first six points in a 9-0 run that turned a 98-96 deficit into a 105-98 advantage with just four minutes left.
Jrue Holiday capped that spurt by sinking a three-pointer after Antetokounmpo got the rebound on his own missed free throw.
The impressive run put the Bucks on the verge of victory, however they couldn't hang on as Young took over for the Hawks.
NBA fans in disbelief over Bucks 'choke'
Atlanta scored the next five points, and the game went back and forth from there.
Khris Middleton missed a pull-up jumper with about 43 seconds left with Milwaukee up 111-110.
Young then missed a driving layup attempt, but Capela grabbed his 19th rebound and scored to put the Hawks ahead for good.
After Milwaukee’s Pat Connaughton shot an air-ball on a three-pointer, Young made two free throws with 17.3 seconds remaining.
Antetokounmpo made a pair of free throws with 5.3 seconds left, but Young brought the lead back to three and closed the scoring by sinking two free throws of his own with 4.6 seconds remaining.
Bucks fans were left fuming over the loss, with many labelling it a "choke" after they led by seven late in the game.
You’re surprised??? The bucks love to choke I’m just happy we knocked the nets out
— Kevin Omegatron (@KevinButNoNash) June 24, 2021
Way to choke!!! Allowing Tucker to continue to play over @BPortistime is ASININE!!! Cost you the game and will cost the series if that clown coach doesn’t wake up!
— Smitty (@lakelifegfl) June 24, 2021
What a choke job. Hawks in 6
— Matt (@ublicious1) June 24, 2021
I can’t believe Milwaukee lost that game. They looked in complete control before I walked away from the tv. My wife tells me 10 mins later, oh the Bucks lost. Ohh okay Milwaukee
— JEFE (@jefeskol) June 24, 2021
I can't believe @Bucks lost in game 1 against @ATLHawks. Pundits are probably losing their minds over this. This brings back memories of @Raptors on their way to the championship.#NBA #EasternConferenceFinals pic.twitter.com/xktAWmFQ43
— Distant Observer👀⭕️ (@ObserverDistant) June 24, 2021
i can’t believe the bucks lost...
— gabion🦹🏽♂️🪐🛸 (@hunchogab) June 24, 2021
Antetokounmpo ended up with 34 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists for the Bucks, while Holiday added 33 points and 10 assists.
"Offensively, it didn't seem like we moved very well," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is Friday night in Milwaukee.
"I felt we've built ourselves to be able to play on the road," Hawks coach Nate McMillan said.
"I've told them that. They're built for this."
Young was two points off his career high.
"It's been fun playing with this group. We just keep fighting to the end, no matter what the score is.," Young said.
"That's what we're going to do. We're going to keep fighting."
with Associated Press
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