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Leaked Audio Shows Pacers Refusing To Give Giannis Antekonoumpo The Game Ball
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks' victory over the Indiana Pacers turned bizarre as a dispute over the game ball unfolded after Giannis Antetokounmpo's record-setting performance. Giannis, who scored a career-high and franchise-record 64 points, sought the game ball as a memento for his remarkable achievement. However, upon learning that the Pacers had taken the ball, a heated exchange ensued between the teams.

Leaked audio revealed the intensity of the exchange. Pacers players, including Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, can be heard insisting on keeping the ball, with Turner expressing approval of the decision. Tensions escalated with a Pacers player emphatically declaring: "You want the ball? You’re not getting that ball."

Giannis: "Go get the f***ing ball! I just want you to know. You need to go get it.” 

Giannis returned to the court, directing his frustration at Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce and Tyrese Haliburton, urging them to retrieve the ball. The situation highlighted the significance attached to game-used balls, especially after milestone performances.

As the Bucks celebrated their 140-126 win, Giannis, accompanied by teammates Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cam Payne, and Jae Crowder, headed towards the Indiana locker room to retrieve the ball. A security official intervened, urging them to leave and preventing further conflict.

The dispute continued as both teams engaged in a back-and-forth over the ownership of the game ball. The confusion persisted, reflecting the unusual aftermath of an otherwise thrilling game. The incident added a dramatic twist to Giannis Antetokounmpo's historic night and created an unexpected controversy in the aftermath of the Bucks' victory over the Pacers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Adressess Post Game Scuffle 

After Giannis Antetokounmpo's historic 64-point performance against the Indiana Pacers, a post-game scuffle erupted over the game ball. Giannis addressed the incident, expressing uncertainty about whether the ball he has is the actual game ball. He mentioned that despite possessing the ball, it doesn't feel like the game ball to him and seems more like a brand-new ball.

In a humorous tone, Giannis stated that he would still take the ball and give it to his mom, but he couldn't confirm its authenticity as the official game ball. This uncertainty extended to his past experiences, revealing that he doesn't even have the game ball from Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals, where the Bucks secured the championship, and Giannis scored 50 points.

Despite the confusion surrounding the game ball, Giannis displayed humility by suggesting that Damian Lillard deserved the ball more than him. Lillard achieved a significant milestone in the same game by surpassing Kyle Korver on the all-time three-point shooting list, securing a position in the top five.

The entire game was marked by intense moments, including hard fouls during the match and the subsequent scuffle over the game ball. While reports suggest that Bucks security retrieved the ball from the Pacers, Giannis's uncertainty adds an intriguing element to the aftermath of the game, making it a memorable and unusual conclusion to a historic night.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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