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Bucks Center Recalls What Happened Between Giannis Antetokounmpo And the Pacers Guard

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 10, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The ending of the first round series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers brought everyone to their feet. In Game 5, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton sealed the fate of the series with a game-winning layup over Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The shot ended Milwaukee's season, and it gave them the third first-round exit in a row.

As the team was celebrating their playoff win, however, there was a commotion involving Antetokounmpo. The nine-time All-Star had to be separated from the Pacers shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin.

It was seen in the broadcast that the two were having a verbal exchange, and the 2021 champion had his hand on Mathurin's head.

On Friday's episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," Milwaukee's Bobby Portis Jr., recalled the events that happened after Game 5's final buzzer.

“I shook everybody’s hand on the team,” Portis said. “Next thing I know is, I just see Giannis holding Ben Mathurin’s head. I’m like, ‘Yo, what’s going on?’”

“Next thing I know, I just see Giannis holding Ben Mathurin head.” - @BPortistime

“He had that young boy grip on his head” - @TeamLou23

There won’t be a better POV of the Giannis postgame dust up with the Pacers than this one from @BPortistime! pic.twitter.com/soQIvjgn5Y
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 9, 2025

Portis also revealed that he talked to Antetokounmpo about what happened with him and Haliburton's dad. The Greek Freak said the father of the Pacers star was waving a flag in front of his face.

Fortunately for Antetokounmpo, Haliburton apologized for his dad's actions. Indiana also stated that their star player's father won't attend the team's home and road games for the foreseeable future.

Portis commended Haliburton for owning up to what his dad did on the court. However, the Bucks center said he was disappointed about the punishment he received from the organization.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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