Giannis doesn't feel 6th foul vs. Celtics was warranted: 'I grabbed the ball'

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Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

It was an all-important call that didn't go in Giannis Antetokounmpo's favor.

After missing a free throw with his Milwaukee Bucks trailing 110-107 in overtime during Game 1 on Sunday, Antetokounmpo got tied up with Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier in an attempt to grab the rebound. While a jump ball would have been ideal, "The Greek Freak" was ultimately whistled for his sixth personal foul, forcing him from the game.

"I don't think that was a foul," Antetokounmpo said afterward, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "I grabbed the ball. But the ref said that I grabbed his hand. I just got to live with that call and just move forward because that's what players do. Hopefully next time I can knock down the free throw and not get into that situation."

When the whistle was blown, official Jason Phillips called a personal foul on Antetokounmpo, while another made the signal for a jump ball - Phillips' call was the one that stuck, though.

Rozier connected on one of his two free throws on the other end, with Khris Middleton missing a driving floater with Milwaukee down four to seal his team's fate for good.

The Celtics went on to win 113-107 on their home floor to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 35 points on 21 shots, adding 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in 45 minutes.

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