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76ers’ Montrezl Harrell Shares His Side Of The Story After Post-Game Scuffle With Giannis Antetokounmpo

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76ers' Montrezl Harrell Shares His Side Of The Story After Post-Game Scuffle With Giannis Antetokounmpo

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The Milwaukee Bucks lost 110-102 to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, but all eyes were focused on the drama that unfolded afterward. Giannis Antetokounmpo went viral on social for ripping a ladder away from an employee, but more details have surfaced about what led to the bizarre scene.

Initially, NBA fans were upset with the Bucks star for seemingly losing his cool just for post-game free throw practice. However, it turns out the whole incident actually started with an argument involving 76ers’ Montrezl Harrell.

Antetokounmpo was already shooting free throws after the game when Harrell stole the ball and refused to return it. According to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, Harrell also shouted, “This isn’t f**king Milwaukee. Get that s**t out of there.”

The 76ers forward/center eventually walked to the other side of the court and started putting up his own shots. Antetokounmpo left for the locker room and returned with two basketballs, but the ladder was blocking the basket at that point.

Montrezl Harrell Shares Why He Took The Ball Away From Giannis Antetokounmpo

As the story and new videos blew up on social media, Harrell took to Twitter to give his side of the story later that night.

It appears the stadium staff was trying to prepare the court for Saturday’s 76ers-Timberwolves game and thus Harrell didn’t want Antetokounmpo in the way. He claims the Bucks star ignored him, which is why he took the ball.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Explains Why The Ladder Incident Happened

Antetokounmpo didn’t see it the same way. He called it “very unprofessional” while also throwing a jab at Harrel’s lack of playtime.

“I know some players don’t play now, they want to get some extra work, want to work on their skills and stuff, and I said, obviously we can shoot together. They said, they told me no, this is their court, I should leave,” he told reporters. “I was like, I have three more free throws, I was at seven, I want to try to make 10 in a row. I shot my eighth one. [He] came and took the ball away from me.”

It sure sounds like a petty move from Harrell. Not only did Antetokounmpo offer to share the court, but he was nearly done anyway. Perhaps what’s worst of all is that the 8th shot went in too.

It’s hilarious to think the whole situation, including the ladder debacle, could’ve been avoided if Harrell was just willing to share. The fact he demands Antetokounmpo leave is just absurd. There is no rule stating that post-game shootarounds are not allowed and it happens fairly often.

“I don’t know if I should apologize because I don’t feel like I did anything wrong, except the ladder fell. I feel like it’s my right for me to work on my skills after a horrible night at the free throw line,” the 2-time NBA MVP explained.

Antetokounmpo ended the night with 25 points but shot 4-of-15 on free throws. In contrast, Harrell only played 5 minutes and went 1-of-4 on free throws for his only score.

Unfortunately for fans, the Bucks and 76ers won’t face off again until March of the new year in Milwaukee. But luckily for Antetokounmpo, Harrell won’t be able to stop any shootarounds there.