After the epic showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, where Aryna snagged the win, it’s now time for the Men’s US Open final with Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz going head-to-head. The energy is off the charts, and the crowd is packed with a killer lineup of celebs and sports stars. NBA big shots Jayson Tatum and Paul George are in the mix, and guess who else? Noah Lyles.

The tension between Noah Lyles and NBA stars like Jayson Tatum is still running hot, especially after that unforgettable 100m final moment at the Olympics. When Lyles took the win, Joel Embiid bounced early, and Tatum was there too, clearly not thrilled about Lyles’ victory either—and we all know why. Fast forward to the US Open Men’s final, with both Tatum and Paul George in the stands, and Lyles potentially in the same crowd, the vibe is bound to get awkward.

Lyles’ comments about the NBA. Don’t get me wrong, I love the U.S. – at times – but that ain’t the world,” Lyles said. “We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA.”—have been stirring up more than just bad vibes since August. His take calls out the NBA’s lack of global representation and international flair.

 Lyles’ words challenge the league’s international appeal and diversity, so it’s understandable why players might still be feeling some kind of way about it.

After Noah Lyles threw shade at NBA players, he caught major heat. Kevin Durant jumped on Instagram, posting, “Somebody help this brother,” calling out Lyles’ comments. The NBA crew rallied behind Durant, clearly not vibing with Lyles’ critique. Team USA’s Devin Booker even dropped a facepalm emoji, with other big names from the league showing their support.