Giannis Antetokounmpo and Chris Paul are every legendary skills from differential generations. The 2 superstars have crossed paths many instances, together with within the 2021 NBA Finals when Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks erased a 2-0 sequence lead by Paul’s Phoenix Suns to win the championship. Giannis put collectively one of many biggest performances in NBA Finals historical past throughout that sequence, and it stored Paul ringless for his profession.
Paul is now on the San Antonio Spurs to assist information the event of Victor Wembanyama, and although he’ll flip 40 years outdated in Could, CP3 remains to be enjoying at a excessive stage. The Bucks-Spurs recreation on Friday evening was constructed up as showdown of the NBA’s celebrity of the current (Giannis) vs. its celebrity of the longer term (Wemby), however someway Paul once more stole headlines along with his actions on the courtroom.
Antetokounmpo and Paul began jawing at one another on the courtroom after Giannis believed CP3 shoved him to the bottom close to the tip of the fourth quarter. Paul proceeded to mock Antetokounmpo on the free throw line, and two gamers continued to alternate phrases after the sport, with Giannis telling the veteran to “come see me.”
Antetokounmpo is simply in regards to the greatest and strongest participant within the league. Paul is among the smallest gamers within the NBA, and the second oldest behind LeBron James. Watch their beef play right here:
Giannis and CP3 chirping at one another, the total incident. This what the sport been lacking
1st clip: Giannis thinks CP3 tripped him
2nd clip: CP3 mocks Giannis lacking on the line
third clip: Giannis asking CP3 to “Come see him after the sport”. CP3 saying “Yeah I’ll do this”
4th… pic.twitter.com/IPJJAh3mWB— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) February 1, 2025
Right here’s one other have a look at the play Giannis obtained so mad about. Word the time and the rating: the Spurs are up 20 factors with beneath 4 minutes left. The sport is all however over, however Antetokounmpo and Paul nonetheless have the aggressive juices flowing.
Did CP3 actually push Giannis right here?
Giannis getting mad for no purpose at Chris Paul whereas he tripped over him. Crying the entire time.
Pointing at CP3 the entire time. Sochan steps in entrance. pic.twitter.com/bVAMv8dYjs
— CP3REGION (@cp3region) February 1, 2025
When Giannis missed his first free throw, Paul instantly walked as much as him and did the observe taking pictures movement that the Bucks star repeats after each missed try on the line. CP3 was needling Antetokounmpo, and Giannis didn’t admire it.
Because the groups headed again to their benches, you may see Giannis problem Paul by telling him to fulfill him after the sport. It continued after the ultimate whistle blew on the Spurs win.
Antetokounmpo was nonetheless heated within the post-game locker room. Right here’s what he informed reporters about why he hung round on the courtroom after the ultimate buzzer to problem Paul.
There’s a historical past of soiled performs on either side right here. It’s been greater than 10 years since Giannis physique checked Mike Dunleavy Jr. throughout a playoff recreation, however individuals haven’t forgotten about it. Paul has been accused of soiled performs since school (phrase to Julius Hodge), and there are such a lot of examples within the NBA of borderline soiled performs.
Greater than something, Antetokounmpo and Paul are historic rivals searching for each edge on their opponent. Paul and Wemby obtained the final chortle this time, however one thing tells me the meat between CP3 and Giannis isn’t over but.