(Video) Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo issue revealed from in-game footage
Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo reignited their rivalry after a back-and-forth exchange during the Spurs win over the Bucks on Friday.
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Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo got into a war of words
Chris Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo revived their rivalry on Friday when the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Milwaukee Bucks. During a sequence in the fourth quarter with the Spurs up by 20 points, Antetokounmpo received the ball in the post against the much shorter Paul. While it should have been an easy layup for Antetokounmpo, things turned heated after a trip-up by CP3.
Paul, who has built up a reputation for being a part of a number of ‘dirty’ plays, was once again at the center of attention when the Greek Freak tried to go to the basket for a layup. CP3 apparently tripped up the leg of Antetokounmpo, leading the Bucks All-Star to get into a heated discussion with Paul near the end of the game.
Giannis and CP3 chirping at each other, the full incident. This what the game been missing
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) February 1, 2025
1st clip: Giannis thinks CP3 tripped him
2nd clip: CP3 mocks Giannis missing at the line
3rd clip: Giannis asking CP3 to “Come see him after the game”. CP3 saying “Yeah I’ll do that”
4th… pic.twitter.com/IPJJAh3mWB
After the game drew to a close, Giannis Antetokounmpo went to confront Chris Paul near half-court about the foul earlier in the game, with both stars jawing back and forth. The duo have had history in the past, during their NBA Finals clash in 2021, when Antetokounmpo’s Bucks defeated Paul’s Phoenix Suns. That series saw the two jawing as well, capped off by a dirty hit by Paul near in Game 5.
Some of Antetokounmpo’s frustrations must have also stemmed from the Bucks losing handily to a young Spurs team led by the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs ended up winning the game by 26 points in their homecourt at Frost Bank Center. Wembanyama led the Spurs with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 Blocks, while Antetokounmpo finished with a game-high 35 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on altercation with Chris Paul
Giannis Anteokounmpo is generally known as one of the lighter-hearted players in the NBA, who loves to have fun on and off the court. Hence, it would make sense why his heated conversation with Chris Paul at the end of the game may have been jarring for some fans. After the game, Antetokounmpo sounded off on his altercation with Paul, explaining what led to the postgame theatrics.
People that know me, they don’t try me. If you try me, it’s a different side. If you try me, you’re gonna get that different side of me… At the end of the day, I think we’re all men. We all respect one another. If words cross the line, then there’s got to be consequences. I really don’t say much… If I feel like you’re putting my livelihood, my career, and my body in jeopardy, in danger, enough is enough brother.
Antetokounmpo said postgame
The Greek Freak certainly took offense to the play, especially as he felt that Paul tripping him up was a dangerous move. While he normally remains levelheaded in games, Antetokounmpo is not one to sit back and take an opponent’s dangerous play style lying down.
As for Chris Paul, as one of the savviest veterans in the league, he has been well known to try even the slightest plays that may gain his team an advantage. However, the 39-year-old may have a tendency to cross a few boundaries, especially when it comes to gaining a competitive edge over his opponents.
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Armaan Gupta
(383 Articles Published)