MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo supplied a handshake to Jaylen Brown after committing an offensive foul towards the Boston Celtics wing — solely to pull his hand back on the final second.
The incident within the first half of the Celtics’ 113-107 victory over the Bucks on Sunday precipitated Brown to consult with Antetokounmpo as a “youngster.” Antetokounmpo responded that he was solely joking round.
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.
As they headed again up the ground, Antetokounmpo held out his hand towards Brown, solely to drag 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.
“Giannis is a baby,” stated Brown, who scored 14 factors in his return after lacking 4 video games with a hip harm. “I’m simply targeted on serving to my staff 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 enjoying basketball. On the similar time, we’ve bought to have enjoyable once we play. I believe he’s an unbelievable participant. He does no matter he can to assist his staff win, an especially aggressive participant. We’ve performed towards each other many instances. I believe we’re at all times attempting to joke round throughout 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 informed about Brown’s postgame remark, the 6-foot-11 ahead went into extra element together with his response.
“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 so much, my nieces, and typically I’d 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 unbelievable participant. He at all times does the suitable factor to assist his staff win. However I’m simply going to proceed to be me.
“On the finish of the day, if I’m referred to as a baby, 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 vital 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.
“Naw,” Brown replied. “I used to be enjoying basketball.”
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