NBA star ejected for AFL-style hit

While Australia’s football codes won’t be able to compete with the riches of the NBA, they will provide Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo a stage to dish out hits like the one he was ejected for during a playoff game.

The 2.11m Greek star let frustration get the better of him during the Bucks’ 120-66 loss to Chicago that saw Milwaukee exit in the first round.

Already 58-28 down late in the second quarter, Antetokounmpo lashed out with a hit more commonly seen at the MCG on Chicago’s Mike Dunleavy as he shot successfully from outside the arc.

The late check, or bump, sent the 2.06m Dunleavy flying into the legs of the front row spectators.

“Not something that you want to see, terrible sportsmanship,” one commentator said bluntly after a replay.

After a review Antetokounmpo was ejected, meaning he played no further part in the game as the Bucks slumped to the series deciding 54-point loss.

While they might not appreciate that sort of thing in the NBA, it’s encouraged Down Under if Antetokounmpo is keen on continuing his aggressive ways.