Bucks’ Doc Rivers blasts refs for crucial ‘phantom foul’ against LaMelo Ball in controversial loss to Hornets [Video]

The Milwaukee Bucks‘ rough start to the season continued on Saturday with a controversial 115-114 loss to the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets that left coach Doc Rivers questioning the officiating during his postgame press conference. 

After Pat Connaughton gave the Bucks a one-point lead with 19 seconds remaining, LaMelo Ball tried to make something happen for the Hornets on the other end. As he drove against Giannis Antetokounmpo, he suddenly crashed to the ground and the Greek Freak was whistled for a foul. 

Replays showed that Ball tripped over his own feet, but the Bucks had no challenges remaining so they could not contest the call. 

Ball stepped to the line and made both free throws to put the Hornets back in front. The Bucks had one last chance, but Antetokounmpo’s step-back jumper at the buzzer came up short, and the Hornets escaped.  

Rivers was understandably …