The San Antonio Spurs may have demolished the Bucks. But the real tension flared after the final buzzer. Following a verbal altercation with Chris Paul, Giannis Antetokounmpo stood at center court. The Greek Freak wanted to settle things with the ‘Point God’ who shoved him to the floor in the fourth quarter. It was followed by Paul taking laughs at Antetokounmpo’s expense.

However, to the Greek Freak, that set him off. After the loss, he got a chance to speak about the incident. And well, he warned not just Paul, but the NBA of a “different side” they wouldn’t want to see.

“People that know me, they don’t try me. If you try me, it’s a different side,” he said about Paul’s antics. Aside from the push, Chris Paul also mocked Antetokounmpo for missing a free throw. With his team leading by 20 points in the fourth quarter, the rubbing salt in the wound wasn’t respectful in Antetokounmpo’s eyes.

But that wasn’t the sole reason he had a back-and-forth with Paul. The Bucks primal star felt the Spurs guard’s actions put his health on the line. And with his life dependent on basketball, anybody who tries to meddle will face “consequences” as Antetokounmpo pointed out.

“I don’t say much. I try to play the game the right way. But enough is enough. Like if I feel you’re putting my livelihood and my career and my body in jeopardy, in danger, enough’s enough brother. I have a family to feed. And what makes you laugh can also make you cry sometimes,” Antetokounmpo said about his interaction with Paul.

If you recall, Paul also committed a violent foul against the two-time MVP when they met in the 2021 Finals. He openly shoved Antetokounmpo in mid-air for a lob. Undaunted by it, he did finish the play. However, it does go to show that there is some history between them which may have been a reason for Antetokounmpo’s exaggerated reaction.

Doc Rivers support Giannis Antetokounmpo

Antetokounmpo doesn’t let his character hide. The Greek Freak, although stern by looks is a light-hearted individual. He cracks typical dad jokes and for his teammates is a goofy personality. But even on the court when switched on and competing, he doesn’t often cross the line. It’s always when instigated that it draws a reaction.

Tonight seemed to be the same. After initially confronting Paul, the 30-year-old forward diverted his attention back to the game. It was only once Paul began mocking his free throw miss that something sparked within Antetokounmpo. As a head coach, Doc Rivers isn’t somebody who hesitates to fault his players.

In fact, his press conference was full of criticism for the manner in which the Bucks went about the game in their lob-sided loss to the San Antonio Spurs. However, as far as Antetokounmpo’s reaction, Rivers is confident about one thing. It wasn’t just out of the frustrations of the Bucks’ condition.

“Giannis is level-headed as anybody in our league so if he was upset at something I’m going to probably guess something happened,” the Bucks head coach said in favor of his star player.

Who do you think was at fault, Chris Paul or Giannis Antetokounmpo? Let us know your views in the comments below.