Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo livid over altercation with Tyrese Haliburton’s father
The Indiana Pacers edged out the Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 in overtime to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
However, the attention was on the interaction that Tyrese Haliburton’s dad, John, had with Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. He walked onto the court, waving a towel with his son in front of the two-time league MVP.
After the contest, Antetokounmpo discussed his frustrations with Haliburton’s behavior.
“I believe in being humble in victory,” Antetokounmpo said via ESPN. “A lot of people out there that are like, no, when you win the game, you talk s— and it’s a green light for you to be disrespectful towards somebody else. I disagree.”
The incident occurred after Antetokounmpo remained on the court a bit longer after the Pacers eliminated the Bucks. This left a window of opportunity for John Haliburton to walk onto the court stand in front of Bucks star, which led to the two talking face-to-face before Bucks players and team security separated them.
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Tyrese voiced disappointment in his father’s actions and spoke to Antetokounmpo about the situation.
“I don’t agree with what transpired there from him,” Haliburton said. “Basketball is basketball and let’s keep it on the court. I think he just got excited, saw his son make a game winner and came on the court, but we had a conversation.
“He needs to just allow me to play basketball and stay over there and I’ll come to him to celebrate. But the emotions of the game got excited there. I talked with him. I’ll talk with Giannis. I don’t think my pops was in the right at all there.”
John Haliburton will remain away from the team at home and away games for the rest of the playoffs.
