The matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks was not short of entertainment throughout the playoffs. Tyrese Haliburton came up with a driving layup with 1.3 left on the clock in OT. The Pacers took home the victory. Yet, Giannis Antetokounmpo had some words to say after the match.
Antetokounmpo looked animated with Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin in the customary post-game embrace as things went wild. The two players had to be divided, and Antetokounmpo looked visibly frustrated.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bennedict Mathurin Tussle With Each Other After Full-Time
With the series done and dusted, we saw coaches Rick Carlisle and Doc Rivers acknowledging each other after the game. However, when the cameras turned their attention to Antetokounmpo, it looked like he was advising Mathurin. He slowly embraced him while placing his hand on the back of his head, but it all went haywire.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bennedict Mathurin go from hugging to shoving pic.twitter.com/DvecTLGJT3
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 30, 2025
The cameras caught both players shoving each other, and Antetokounmpo didn’t let him go. Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and Taurean Prince all came in to separate the players. It caught fire like a chain reaction as a huge scuffle took place in the center of the court.
Usually, the teams go out peacefully, reflecting on their decisions in the match and acknowledging each other. However, some European players in the NBA make things interesting and spicy, as these players love to compete.
In the meantime, Antetokounmpo also had an animated conversation with Tyrese Haliburton’s father after the game. The player went head-on as they seemed to exchange sarcastic words, both locked in a tight embrace with their heads.
Giannis Antetokounmpo just went face-to-face with Tyrese Haliburton’s father after the Bucks were eliminated in Game 5.
Giannis had to be pulled back by team staffers.pic.twitter.com/FeE6GgEwxS
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 30, 2025
The team staff carried Antetokounmpo away as the Pacers advanced to the next round.
Will the Greek Freak Stay at the Bucks?
The single question that remains in the minds of Bucks fans is Antetokounmpo’s potential departure. With the team losing Damian Lillard to an Achilles injury and no other superstar players, it might be time for the power forward to jump ship.
Most players didn’t shine for the Bucks in this series except for Antetokounmpo. The offseason promises organizational changes, and tying up Antetokounmpo could be high on the priority list. After all, he had a terrific series.
The player had 30 points tonight and ended with a triple-double with 20 rebounds and 13 assists. He also had two steals and two blocks, but the seven turnovers hurt him. It indeed became a one-man wrecking ball.
Hopefully, the franchise can convince him to stay, although he may leave the ‘Deer Nation’ after his loyal service to them.