Giannis Antetokounmpo clashes with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad and scuffles with Bennedict Mathurin after Playoff loss
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s record-breaking night turned chaotic as a missing game ball led to a locker room scuffle and reignited a fiery Bucks-Pacers rivalry — proving that in this playoff series, the drama doesn’t end at the buzzer.
In a standout display, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a franchise-record 64 points, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 140-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers. However, the achievement was quickly eclipsed by a postgame altercation involving a dispute over the game ball, which the Pacers had taken to commemorate rookie Oscar Tshiebwe's first NBA point.
Following the game, Antetokounmpo confronted Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton on the court, expressing frustration over the missing game ball. Haliburton later described the incident as a "misunderstanding," noting that he was merely standing on the sidelines when approached by Antetokounmpo.
Giannis sparks locker room scuffle in escalating Bucks-Pacers rivalry
The situation intensified as Antetokounmpo and several Bucks players pursued the game ball into the Pacers' locker room area, leading to a scuffle. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle reported that during the confrontation, Indiana's general manager was elbowed in the ribs by a Bucks player.
This incident is the latest in a series of contentious encounters between the Bucks and Pacers, who have developed a heated rivalry marked by physical play and verbal exchanges. The teams have faced each other multiple times in recent weeks, including in the NBA's in-season tournament, where the Pacers eliminated the Bucks .
Giannis questions game ball authenticity as Bucks-Pacers Playoff tensions continue to rise
Antetokounmpo expressed uncertainty about whether he ultimately received the actual game ball, stating, "I have a ball, but I don't know if it's the game ball. It doesn't feel like the game ball to me." He emphasized his desire to give the ball to teammate Damian Lillard, who had achieved a significant career milestone during the game.
As the playoff series continues, both teams are expected to carry the intensity forward. The Bucks and Pacers' escalating rivalry adds an extra layer of drama to their matchups, with players and coaches acknowledging the heightened emotions and competitive spirit that define their recent encounters.
