It’s been seven years since Chris Paul and a group of Houston Rockets players stormed across the Staples Center to confront Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers.
It seems Paul learned his lesson when it comes to finishing fights with those much larger than him. He still has a ways to go when it comes to starting them, however. Giannis Antetokounmpo proved as much on Friday night.
During the San Antonio Spurs’ 144-118 victory in Milwaukee, Paul had Antetokounmpo absolutely heated after a shove to the back left the Bucks’ star writhing in pain on the floor. The play was reviewed and determined to be a common foul, but it set off a back-and-forth between Paul and Giannis that carried over after the final buzzer.
Here’s how it all started:
— outbreezy (@outbreezyWC) February 1, 2025
Considering there were barely four minutes remaining in a game that had gotten out of hand (the Spurs were leading by 20), it’s easy to understand why Giannis was upset over the physical play.
The chirping carried over to the ensuing free throw attempts as Paul seemingly mocked Antetokounmpo’s form. Giannis then appeared to invite Paul to come see him after the game.
Giannis: "Come see me after the game"
CP3: "Yeah, I'll do that" pic.twitter.com/xqK9VcD5Zg— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) February 1, 2025
Giannis was serious, too. As soon as the game was over, Antetokounmpo made his way over to midcourt where lip-readers believe he shouted “I’m right here” at Paul.
Postgame it continues…
Giannis: "I'm right here"
CP3: "Peace out" pic.twitter.com/50KLclF0xH— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) February 1, 2025
Paul retreated to the locker room instead of going to chat with Giannis. Which is probably for the best. Antetokounmpo is a decade younger than Paul and nearly twice his size. There was only one way this was going to end.
After Paul’s retreat, Giannis ripped into him during media availability, per ESPN:
“People that know me, they don’t try me,” Antetokounmpo told reporters after the game. “If you try me, it’s a different side. If you try me, you’re gonna get that different side of me.”
Antetokounmpo initially said “nothing” happened, calling it “a physical play,” before adding, “I don’t know if I was tripped or I was pushed.” He elaborated when asked why he waited for Paul after the game.
“At the end of the day, I think we’re all men. We all respect one another,” Antetokounmpo said. “If words cross the line, then there’s got to be consequences. I really don’t say much. I don’t say much to start with, try to play the game the right way. If I feel like you’re putting my livelihood, my career and my body in jeopardy, in danger, enough is enough, brother. I have a family to feed, and what makes you laugh can also make you cry sometimes.”
No word on if there are any secret tunnels between locker rooms in Milwaukee, but Paul has to be feeling good the Spurs won’t face the Bucks again this season.
Giannis clearly isn’t ready to let this one go.
