Who got the game ball? Giannis Antetokounmpo and Indiana Pacers brawl EXPLAINED after Greek Freak’s 64-point game

Confusion remains about the possession of the game ball after Bucks vs Pacers game, Giannis Antetokounmpo says it was not game ball.

Who got the game ball? Giannis Antetokounmpo and Indiana Pacers brawl EXPLAINED after Greek Freak’s 64-point game

Pacers assistant holding another ball during the argument (Image via Twitter)

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a career night yesterday vs the Indiana Pacers. Putting up 64 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, it was a performance for the ages. Hence, he should possess the game ball as “custom’ says’. Well, it was not that simple post this game.

Danny Carter is the assistant director of team security. His job as soon as the game ended was to get hold of the game ball. But it seems after Carter retrieved the ball, game footage cuts to a Pacers assistant taking it away. The confusion is that, who had the actual game ball?

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Antetokounmpo went towards the Pacers bench to ask for the ball. When he realized it was not with them, Antetokounmpo ran towards the locker room. He wanted that game ball for his superstar teammate Damian Lillard who moved past Kyle Korver for 5th all-time in 3-point shots made.

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The scenes in the tunnel were equally dramatic. Some players from the Milwaukee Bucks joined Giannis in arguing with the other side. Several Pacers were heard laughing and saying not to give the ball to Antetokounmpo. Antetokuonmpo came back out of the locker room and walked towards the discussion Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard were having along with Tyrese Haliburton and Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce.

He then proceeded to tell them to get the game ball back animatedly. Leaked audio suggests Antetokounmpo yelling this at the Pacers duo:

Go get the f****ng ball

Pierce was trying to calm Antetokounmpo down repeatedly. Haliburton also spoke calmly and tried to diffuse the situation. Ultimately Giannis was accompanied by Danny Carter towards the Bucks locker room.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is confident it was not the game ball

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle spoke during the post-match press conference. He mentioned that there are two game balls. They gave one to Oscar Tshiebwe who scored his first official points in the NBA. The Pacers have a history of doing that. Carlisle said the altercations were unwarranted. He said it was unfortunate to see several opposing players in their tunnel arguing about the game ball.

Giannis dragged out of the Pacers tunnel after going for the game ball, scored 64 on them
Giannis was dragged out of the Pacers’ tunnel after going for the game ball and scored 64 on them (Image via Twitter)

Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked in his post-game presser if he could confirm that he had the game ball. He said:

I have a ball, but it does not feel like the game ball to me, it feels like a brand new ball.

His comments added further intrigue to the already confusing situations that transpired after the game. Damian Lillard added that the whole situation was petty. And even though this situation should not have happened such things happen in the league.

The confusion is still apparent. Giannis Antetokounmpo will probably use this as motivation when the two sides meet again in January. The Pacers did what they felt was right, the Bucks and Antetokounmpo felt differently.

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