As the final buzzer sounded in Canada’s 86-79 win over Greece to start group play in the 2024 Olympics, additional fireworks were sparked in the aftermath.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander began jawing with Greece’s Giannoulis Larentzakis in an exchange that almost broke into a brawl as both squads circled the court.
Giannis Antetokounmpo served as the de-escalator by bumping the MVP runner-up to his teammates. Lu Dort then had his turn to exchange words with Larentzakis.
It was surprising to see Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort so heated. Both are usually calm players who don’t let the intensity of moments get to them amid contests.
The scuffle made the rounds on social media. Fans always love to see that side of players on the court. Thunder teammates Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams even chimed in, showing excitement at the exchange.
As soon as Dort showed up it got real quiet 😂 pic.twitter.com/c6mHQUzU60
— Topić: Thunder Podcast (@OKCTopicThunder) July 27, 2024
Everyone always quick to walk away when LU show up to the scuffle😂😂😂
— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) July 27, 2024
if you didn’t bark at the tv when this happened idk what to tell ya !!??🤷🏾♂️
— therealjalenwilliams (@jdubwttp) July 27, 2024
After heads cooled off, Gilgeous-Alexander explained his uncharacteristic outburst. He said Larentzakis made intentional contact with his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the final moments.
“No. 5 bumped Nickeil after the whistle for no reason,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I just wanted to let him know we don’t play that. It was hashed out. It was cool.”
The reaction had blood pumping for most Thunder fans who watched the game. Many were juiced to see Gilgeous-Alexander stand up for his teammates in kerfuffles.
The 26-year-old is the face of Canada’s program, which means being the first to get involved in confrontations featuring teammates — especially if they include family as this scenario did.
