Adrian Griffin ejected in Bucks’ loss: It is my responsibility to make sure Giannis is protected

Adrian Griffin was removed from the Bucks with 7:52 remaining in the third quarter, meaning the team played without their first-year head coach for a large portion of the second half. A double technical foul was called on him right after Antetokounmpo’s in-bounds slam. After Antetokounmpo was shown a red card during a 120-118 victory over Detroit the previous evening, Griffin had pledged to speak up more with referees about hits on his star player.

“I thought Giannis was getting hit quite a bit and voiced my opinion,” Griffin said. “Next time I’ll be a little more delicate. He’s such a great human being and doesn’t complain, has such respect for the referees. It is my responsibility to make sure he’s protected.”