Why did the NBA rescind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple double?
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fourth triple-double of the season was recently rescinded by the NBA. This decision was made after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Washington Wizards 117-111 on Sunday.
With just 10 seconds remaining on the clock, the Wizards were ready to concede, but Antetokounmpo had his sights set on securing his triple-double. He had already grabbed nine rebounds, and with just one more needed, he hustled down to the other end of the court after grabbing hold of Corey Kispert’s errant shot. Antetokounmpo intentionally missed a layup with one second remaining, hoping to grab the offensive rebound, and secure the triple-double.
However, league rules state that a shot attempt must be taken “with intent to score a field-goal” to be counted as official. As Antetokounmpo did not do so, his flip at the rim did not count as an official attempt, meaning there could be no rebound.
Antetokounmpo finished the game with 23 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists, failing to get past the triple-double mark for the fourth time this season. His attempt to secure the triple-double reminded many of a similar stat-padding attempt from the early 2000s.
Giannis’ antics reminded the NBA community of a similar play pulled by Ricky Davis.
Back in 2003, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Davis was one rebound shy of a triple-double with seven seconds remaining in what was about to be a 122-95 win over the Utah Jazz. Instead of dribbling out the clock, he threw the ball of his own basket to try and get his 10th rebound, but the plan backfired in spectacular fashion – one that the history books would remember forever.
For one, missed shots at one’s own basket don’t count as attempts, so he wasn’t credited with a rebound and didn’t get his triple-double. He also got shoved by DeShawn Stevenson in the aftermath, berated by Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and fined an undisclosed amount.
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