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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

In the matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, there were records broken and controversies created. After the Bucks won 140-126, the Greek Freak wanted to take the game ball for himself because he had just created history. However, things got ugly when he was not given the ball and denied of it by the Pacers’ players. That created chaos in the corridors of the Fiserv Forum, where Antetekounmpo is visibly angry, wanting to immortalize his historic performance by taking home the game ball.

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Amid this controversy, a video has been leaked which clearly shows the Pacers teammates discussing not giving the ball to Antetokounmpo.

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Giannis is enraged after he was denied the match ball

As the final buzzer rang during the Bucks’ 140-126 win against the Indiana Pacers, a drama developed that surpassed the intensity of the game itself. The 29-year-old forward, influenced by the adrenaline of the triumph and the pain of injustice, got into a violent argument with Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and other Indiana players. According to the leaked video on X by LegendZ, the locker room discussion of the Pacers was recorded. In that, the shooting guard of the Pacers, Buddy Hield is heard saying, “Keep that ball.” 

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Not only that, even Miles Turner is heard agreeing with him and saying, “Keep it, keep it”. Some other Pacer players were also heard saying, “You want the ball, you’re not getting the ball,” to Antetokounmpo. Further, the Pacers’ players were heard saying, “Don’t give him(Giannis) the ball,” that’s when a Bucks player heard this and said, “Give him his f*****g ball.”

Antetkounmpo is also arguing with the Pacers’ coach about his players and bluntly told him, “Go, get the f*****g ball.” He even told the Pacers’ star player Tyrese Haliburton “I want you to know, you need to get it”. The Pacers, on the other hand, had other ideas for the ball. The only reason they took the ball in a controversial gesture was to celebrate rookie Oscar Tshiebwe, who had scored his first official NBA point that night. However, as the 7x All-Star got a career-high and even managed to break the franchise record, this game was special for him. 

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Why did the Greek Freak want the game ball so desperately?

Giannis Antetokounmpo made a lasting impression on the Fiserv Forum with a career-high 64 points against the Indiana Pacers in an incredible display of skill and creativity. From the start of the game, it was clear that he was on a mission, a guy motivated by his quest for greatness. Giannis had already scored 30 points by halftime, laying the groundwork for an exciting second half.

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USA Today via Reuters

As the final buzzer rang, the scoreboard revealed his remarkable accomplishment of 64 points and 14 rebounds. His shooting accuracy, going 19-27 from the field, added to his already outstanding performance. Earlier, the franchise record for the highest points was set by Michael Redd in 2006 of 57 points. However, the Greek Feak shattered that record and even achieved a new career high.

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Read More: “We Were Not Thinking”: Pacers Justify Infuriating Giannis Antetokounmpo on Career Night With Bizarre Reason

So, due to such a historic performance, Antetokounmpo wanted to celebrate his victory and remember it forever by taking home the game ball, but sadly, the night of celebration turned into a nightmare of chaos. What do you think of this incident? Let us know in the comments.

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Watch this Story: Giannis Antetokounmpo Continues Red Hot Streak as Damian Lillard Brings Back Winning Ways-2 Takeaways From Bucks’ Thrashing of Bulls

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Dhruv Shastry

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Dhruv Shastry, an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, brings a wealth of hooping experience to his reporting. Despite contending with an ankle injury that curtailed his on-court endeavors, Dhruv remains at the forefront of his game, displaying an unparalleled understanding of basketball in every aspect as he draws inspiration from the legendary Kobe Bryant. Serving as a contributor to ES, Dhruv's journalistic focus extends to the lifestyle segment of basketball. His reporting involves analyzing sporting personalities, delving into their brand endorsements, tracking trades, and providing insights into their personal lives. With a breakthrough approach, he is not just a writer but a tactician in dissecting the intricate facets of the basketball world. Beyond the adrenaline of the game, Dhruv delves into writing, composing, and engineering music for global audiences.

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Ruth John

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