Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo won his first NBA championship in 2021, leading his team through a tough Eastern Conference playoff run. However, former Nets player Markieff Morris recently accused Antetokounmpo of intentionally causing an injury to Kyrie Irving during a crucial game in the playoffs, which affected the outcome of the series. According to Morris, if Antetokounmpo hadn’t caused Irving’s injury, the Nets would have had a better chance at winning the championship that year. This incident has resurfaced as Antetokounmpo and Morris find themselves back in the NBA Finals on opposing teams.
During the 2021 playoffs, the Brooklyn Nets, led by stars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, were considered favorites to win the championship. However, a series of injuries and other factors led to their loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in a seven-game series. The Bucks went on to win the championship, with Antetokounmpo earning Finals MVP honors. Morris, who was part of the Lakers’ championship team in 2020, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks along with Irving during the 2022-23 season. Now, both Morris and Irving are back in the NBA Finals with the Celtics, trailing 0-2 against their opponents.
This accusation from Morris has stirred controversy, as he claims that Antetokounmpo deliberately caused Irving’s ankle injury during the playoff series in 2021. This incident has reignited discussions about sportsmanship and fair play in the NBA, especially during high-stakes games like playoff matchups. As both teams and players prepare for the NBA Finals, the narrative surrounding this incident adds an extra layer of drama and intrigue to the competition.
Despite the controversy surrounding Antetokounmpo’s alleged involvement in Irving’s injury, the Bucks have faced their own challenges in the current season. Antetokounmpo suffered a calf strain late in the regular season, causing him to miss games in the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Additionally, All-Star point guard Damian Lillard also missed games during the series, contributing to the Bucks’ eventual loss in six games to the Pacers. These injuries have impacted the team’s performance and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
As the NBA Finals continue, the story of the 2021 playoffs and the incident involving Antetokounmpo and Irving adds an interesting subplot to the championship series. With both teams facing adversity and challenges, the focus remains on the players’ ability to overcome obstacles and compete at the highest level. Whether the accusations against Antetokounmpo hold weight or not, it is clear that the competitive spirit and drama of the NBA playoffs continue to captivate fans and players alike, making each game a showcase of skill, determination, and resilience.
