Tensions flared at the end of the Milwaukee Bucks` victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday, and the animosity continued on social media on Saturday.
In the closing moments of the Bucks` 125-119 win against the Pistons, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 32 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 15 assists, blocked a 3-point attempt by Malik Beasley, sending him to the ground.
After blocking the shot, Antetokounmpo performed Beasley`s signature shimmy celebration before extending a hand to help him up. Beasley`s teammates, Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris, also helped him to his feet.
However, Beasley refused Antetokounmpo`s help and shoved the larger player, expressing his disapproval of Antetokounmpo mimicking his move. The two players, former teammates on the Bucks, exchanged words as they moved down the court.
On Saturday morning, Beasley addressed the incident in a social media post.
Beasley scored 21 points in the game. According to ESPN Research, he is the fastest player in the 3-point era to make five 3-pointers off the bench in 25 games within a single season.
With their Friday victory, Milwaukee secured the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs and will face the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers. Detroit, making its first postseason appearance since 2018-19, will be the No. 6 seed and will play against the third-seeded New York Knicks.
