Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics throughout the first half of a recreation at Fiserv Discussion board on November 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs/AFP
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo supplied a handshake to Jaylen Brown after committing an offensive foul towards the Boston Celtics wing — solely to tug his hand again on the final second.
The incident within the first half of the Celtics’ 113-107 victory over the Bucks on Sunday precipitated Brown to confer with Antetokounmpo as a “little one.” Antetokounmpo responded that he was solely joking round.
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This sequence started after Antetokounmpo’s elbow appeared to inadvertently hit Brown’s face within the second quarter, leading to an offensive foul towards the two-time MVP.
READ: NBA: Jayson Tatum rallies Celtics to victory over slumping Bucks
As they headed again up the ground, Antetokounmpo held out his hand towards Brown, solely to tug it again excessive of his face whereas smiling at him. Antetokounmpo then reached out his hand once more, however the Celtics’ three-time All-Star regarded down with out reciprocating.
The scene bought loads of consideration on social media.
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“Giannis is a toddler,” stated Brown, who scored 14 factors in his return after lacking 4 video games with a hip harm. “I’m simply centered on serving to my group get a win, and that’s what we did tonight.”
Antetokounmpo stated he didn’t imply to offend anybody.
“It’s a joke,” stated Antetokounmpo, who had 43 factors, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. “We’re taking part in basketball. On the identical time, we’ve bought to have enjoyable once we play. I believe he’s an unimaginable participant. He does no matter he can to assist his group win, a particularly aggressive participant. We’ve performed towards each other many instances. I believe we’re at all times attempting to joke round inside the circulation of the sport. It’s one thing I do with my children once we mess around. Typically, I’m like, ‘Give me a high-five. Oh, you’re too sluggish.’ I simply did it. I loved it, although. It was enjoyable.”
When Antetokounmpo was advised about Brown’s postgame remark, the 6-foot-11 ahead went into extra element along with his response.
READ: NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo desires Bucks to play with extra depth
“That is who I’m,” Antetokounmpo stated. “I play the sport with enjoyable, pleasure. I attempt to encompass myself round younger individuals so I can keep younger myself, attempt to be round my children rather a lot, my nieces, and generally I would go on the market at instances on the courtroom after I play and do stuff like that, however on the finish of the day, as I stated, I believe he’s an unimaginable participant. He at all times does the best factor to assist his group win. However I’m simply going to proceed to be me.
“On the finish of the day, if I’m referred to as a toddler, so be it. I’ve three youngsters of my very own and I believe six nieces. I care for a whole lot of children round right here. Typically whenever you’re round a child, you attempt to act like a child. It’s enjoyable. It’s enjoyable to be round them. So I simply attempt to go on the market and have enjoyable. Once more, nice participant, nice competitor. If I’ve one other alternative, I’ll do it once more.”
Antetokounmpo and Brown had one other episode within the fourth quarter. After Antetokounmpo drove to the basket with the sport tied at 95-all, Brown acquired a flagrant foul for making important impression to an airborne participant in an pointless method.
Antetokounmpo made the 2 ensuing free throws to place Milwaukee forward with 6:52 remaining, however the Bucks didn’t rating on their ensuing possession and Boston took the lead for good a minute later.
Brown was requested if that second-quarter incident was on his thoughts when that flagrant foul occurred.
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“Naw,” Brown replied. “I used to be taking part in basketball.”
