Giannis Antetokounmpo is making headlines for the wrong reasons

Antetokounmpo couldn't help the fact he was fouled. He went up for a dunk and got pulled down to the floor by his jersey. However, during his postgame news conference, Antetokounmpo gently stoked the flames by paraphrasing a Mike Tyson quote.

“He said some guys are manufactured killers; he's a born killer,” Antetokounmpo said. “I just feel the same way. I've been in that position many times in my life. I have two older brothers that, you know, push me on the floor, play, be tough on me, especially Thanasis. I've been so many times hit. So, it doesn't really faze me anymore. It doesn't really faze me. All I could think about was get up and try to make two free throws."

Antetokounmpo has never been the type of player to have issues with others around the league. Yes, he plays hard, and his physicality can upset people during games. Nevertheless, his personality and joyful nature have always made it difficult to dislike him. That's why two verbal spats in the space of a week are so uncharacteristic. 

Doc Rivers must keep his players grounded as they look to dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in. Antetokounmpo's on-court play has been stellar, but his willingness to engage with others must be curbed as frustration is clearly building in Milwaukee. The coaching staff and front office will likely be hoping a run of wins can ease the pressure, especially as it's starting to manifest in new ways. 

The Bucks are certainly a team to keep an eye on, even if it's for the wrong reasons.