By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Things escalated quickly between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Montrezl Harrell following the Philadelphia 76ers defeating the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center Friday. But that was not it.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo defending his brother and Bucks teammate was on the receiving end of a taunt from Harrell. “I am one of them. You can try to find out my boy. You got me f…ed up. I’ll beat your ass,” he responded in what surely was a passionate conversation, as recorded in a video shared by Ahn Fire Digital.
Thanasis did not play against the Sixers. Giannis had 25 points with 10/22 from the field. Making only four of his 15 free throws prompted the extra work following his latest appearance in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season.
“Obviously I had a very bad night from the free throw line,” he confessed describing the buildup to the confrontations, “Now, I take pride in getting better every single day. After the game, I decided to go try and make some free throws. My goal, every time I step on the line is to make ten in a row and I was shooting free throws. I was at seven, I think. A player, I don’t want to mention names, and a coach, basically told me to leave the court, while behind me there was another space to do their routine.”
“I respect every player. I know some players don’t play now, they want to get some extra work, want to work on their skills and stuff, and I said, obviously we can shoot together. They told me no, this is their court, I should leave. I was like, ‘I have three more free throws, I was at seven, I want to try to make 10 in a row.’ I shot my eighth one. Came and took the ball away from me and I was very surprised. I feel like it’s very unprofessional. I would never take the ball away from a professional athlete when he’s trying to do his job,” he added.
At that point, the Freak determined to continue, came back to the court with new balls and threw over the ladder positioned in front of the basket, as captured in a video.
Harrell, 28, sharing a post on Twitter attempted to explain his side. “Aye make sure you get the complete story. I ask the man if he can he get off the court so I can work out. They had to change the court over. He ignored me so hey that’s what you get! Respect is respect! GOODNIGHT!” he wrote.
Photo Credit: Getty Images