Australia’s Josh Giddey found himself in the middle of NBA drama as superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo broke one of the sport’s “unspoken rules” on Sunday.
The Greek Freak led Milwaukee to a 112-103 away win over Chicago in his first game back from an eight-game absence caused by a calf strain.
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In 25 minutes, Antetokounmpo had 29 points, but the final two were the most controversial with his Bulls opponents taking exception to his behaviour.
With the result sealed rather than dribbling out the clock Antetokounmpo ran down and windmill dunked, with Giddey’s ensuing half-court heave missing as time expired.
Chicago veteran Nikola Vucevic took exception, getting in Antetokounmpo’s face, before other Bulls and Bucks players started pushing and shoving.
A large mass of players and coaches including Giddey began to scuffle at mid-court as Antetokounmpo sheepishly walked away.
Giddey in the middle of the scuffle as Antetokounmpo walks away.Source: FOX SPORTS
“You can’t be mad at Giannis,” one of the TV commentators said.
“There’s an unspoken rule you don’t do that, but as soon as the Bulls saw he was starting to dribble towards the basket, they should’ve went and fouled him.”
ESPN analyst Bobby Marks tweeted: “Enough with these ‘unwritten rules’.
“It’s amazing when a player(s) gets their feelings hurt on plays like this.”
Giddey had 13 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in defeat.
The win left the Bucks 10-8 this season with Antetokounmpo and 3-11 without him.
The Bulls, meanwhile, sit ninth in the East with a 15-16 record with Sunday’s loss snapping a five-game winning streak.