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Two NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was not satisfied with the Milwaukee Bucks' early playoff ex after the Indiana Pacers scored a 119-118 overtime victory with the Bucks on Tuesday in Game 5.
Pacers guard Tyrees Halliburton hit a game-winning shot, crossed the Anteto Compo and drove into the basket for a right-handed layup with 1.3 seconds left.
However, the discussion about the game focused on what happened after the intensely fighting playoff game.
Shortly after the final buzzer, Antetokounmpo was congratulating several pacer players. Things got weird when he and Indiana guard Benedict Matlin seemed to embrace and exchange words. Mathurin pushed Antetokounmpo away, and arguing between the teams continued.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo, left. The Indiana Pacers' Milwaukee Bucks and Benedict Matlin right, fell into an argument on April 29, 2025, following the 2025 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis. (Justin Caster Line/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo was involved in a conflict with Halliburton's father John. Elder Halliburton sat in courtside seating at Gainbridge Field House before running to the court. He later issued an apology for his actions.
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“I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight's game,” Halliburton wrote to X:
Indiana Pacers Guard Guard Ty Halliburton (0) steals the ball from the Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetocomo (34) in Game 5 of the fifth round of the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor ruszkowski/image image)
On Wednesday, Halliburton shared some details about what he went through during an on-court exchange with the Bucks superstar.
“When I turned around, it might have seemed like I was looking at him, but I wasn't really,” Halliburton told TMJ4. “I was watching him. That's how I was in that moment. I was holding the banner in my hand and I was screaming. Giannis didn't say anything to me. I never said anything to Giannis.
Halliburton then provided insight into the dialogue of lively interactions.
“He grabbed my hand, placed it on my forehead and said, 'Don't underestimate me, don't underestimate me.' And I said to him, “I was not trying to downplay you. Then I said to him, “I love you.” He told me, “I love you.” We patted our breasts.
The incident left Antetokounmpo in a state of obvious frustration. At a post-match press conference, Antetokounmpo cited the importance of maintaining “the humility of victory.”
“One thing I say is that I believe I am humbled by victory,” Antetokounmpo said in a three-minute response to a reporter's question on the issue. “That's how I do it. Perhaps there are a lot of people like, 'No, when you win a game, you have to talk–'. ”
“'It's a green light to make you rude to someone else.'' I haven't won a championship.
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It remains unclear whether the NBA will convey punishment for anyone involved in Tuesday's argument.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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