Giannis Antetokounmpo claims to reimburse for Brook Lopez's techs for scuffle vs Kings: "Definitely going to pay for his techs"
Giannis Antetokounmpo appreciated Brook Lopez for having his back during a scuffle in the Milwaukee Bucks' 133-124 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday. The Bucks were on their way to winning the tie with 15 seconds left when Antetokounmpo dribbled the ball into Sacramento forward Trey Lyles' path.
The latter found it disrespectful, leading to him swiping the ball out of Giannis' hands before he shoved the Bucks superstar. Lopez wasn't impressed with the incident and entered into a physical altercation with Lyles, showing his support for Antetokounmpo.
Brook Lopez & Trey Lyles were ejected for this scuffle
(Via @SeanCunningham)
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Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his gratitude towards Brook Lopez ahead of the Bucks' road game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, claiming he would pay for Lopez's technical fouls. Here's what Giannis said (via Bally Sports Wisconsin on Twitter):
"I appreciate Brook having my back. That's my guy. Not just on the court, off the court for life he's my guy and I'm definitely going to pay for his techs... I already told him."
"For life. That's my guy."
Giannis was appreciative of Brook Lopez having his back Monday night in Sacramento. #FearTheDeer https://t.co/zCUav4dIkm
Brook Lopez and Trey Lyles were both ejected from the game. Lopez was fined $3000 for a technical and $4000 for a flagrant foul. It only makes sense for Giannis Antetokounmpo to reimburse those fines as he initiated the altercation between the teams.
Giannis could've dribbled out the shot clock, but he seemed to deliberately walk into Lyles' path on the halfcourt.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez emerging as a formidable frontcourt duo for Milwaukee
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez's partnership has emerged as one of the focal points in the Milwaukee Bucks' successful season so far. The two seven-footers have been difficult to go up against defensively and unguardable offensively.
The two have led the Bucks as the third-best defense in the NBA with a 109.7 rating. Lopez is third in the league in blocks per game (2.5). He is also leading the charts as the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, a former DPOY himself, Giannis has been as solid as ever on that end of the floor.
The two have played 52 games together, logging 982 minutes on the floor. They have an offensive rating of 114.2 and a defensive rating of 106.4, a remarkable number considering how much time they have played alongside each other.
The Milwaukee Bucks have clinched a playoff spot already after hitting the 50-win mark following their 116-104 win in their 2021 finals rematch against the Phoenix Suns. Antetokounmpo and Lopez were at it again, as the former bagged 36 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while the latter had 21 points and 10 rebounds on 71.4% shooting.