But Chris Paul is a king antagonizer and has long held a reputation as a downright dirty player. So on Friday night, when Giannis felt Paul had a -- shall we say -- extra hand in Antetokounmpo ending up on the floor after a spin move in the lane, he had some choice words for the Spurs point guard.

During the San Antonio Spurs’ 144-118 victory in Milwaukee, Paul had Antetokounmpo absolutely heated after a shove to the back left the Bucks’ star writhing in pain on the floor. The play was reviewed and determined to be a common foul, but it set off a back-and-forth between Paul and Giannis that carried over after the final buzzer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Chris Paul are each legendary talents from differential generations. The two superstars have crossed paths many times, including in the 2021 NBA Finals when Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks erased a 2-0 series lead by Paul’s Phoenix Suns to win the championship.