Former NBA Player Pokes Fun at Antetokounmpo
Former NBA player Evan Turner couldn’t resist making a lighthearted comment about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance. He wrote, “S/o to Giannis for setting a career record in points and goofiness.”
Indiana Head Coach Speaks Out
After the scuffle, Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle shed some light on the incident. He mentioned that the scuffle started when Chad Buchanan was elbowed in the ribs as the two teams jostled in the tunnel over the ball. Carlisle clarified that the Pacers took the game ball for rookie Oscar Tshiebwe, who scored his first points in the game, not knowing that it was Giannis’ franchise record ball. He expressed his regret, stating, “What happened after the game was unfortunate. There was a misunderstanding about the game ball… We were not thinking about Giannis’ franchise record, so we grabbed the ball.”
Antetokounmpo Uncertain About Possessing the Game Ball
Even after tempers had cooled, Giannis Antetokounmpo remained unsure if he had the actual game ball. He admitted, “I have no idea. I’m not going to lie. I have no idea. I don’t know.” Antetokounmpo further explained that although he had a ball, it didn’t feel like the game ball to him. He believed it was a brand new ball and expressed uncertainty about its authenticity. Despite the confusion, he intended to keep the ball and give it to his mother.
It is worth noting that the Pacers and Bucks have played three times this season, including two games in the past week.
Contributions from Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press.