Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo has shrugged off Jaylen Brown's criticism after his in-game fake handshake following a hard foul triggered a Celtics comeback win.
The Bucks' two-time MVP appeared to offer an apologetic handshake to Jaylen Brown after committing an offensive foul, only to pull his hand back at the last moment.
The Bucks led by 10 at that stage in Wisconsin but lost 113-107, despite 43 points, 13 rebounds and five assists from Antetokounmpo.
Brown (14 points) labelled him a "child" when asked about the incident post-game, much to Antetokounmpo's surprise.
"It's a joke," the Greek-Nigerian star said. "We've got to have fun when we play.
"I think he's an incredible player.
"It's something I do with my kids when we play around.
"Sometimes, I'm like, 'Give me a high five. Oh, you're too slow.' I just did it. I enjoyed it, though. It was fun."
Theirs was one of many close games across the United States on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
Former NBL Next Star LaMelo Ball's (38 points) incredible fade-away three-pointer forced overtime in Philadelphia before the undermanned 76ers prevailed 107-105.
Australian starter Josh Green continued his quiet start at his new club, the swingman missing all three shot attempts to finish with two points, two assists, two rebounds and a steal in 26 minutes for the Hornets.
Jared McCain had a career-high 27 points for the hosts, while Guerschon Yabusele, back in the NBA after starring for France at the Olympics, finished with a career-high 20 points.
In Minnesota Nikola Jovic made the tying lay-up and go-ahead foul shot with 7.8 seconds left to send Miami past the Timberwolves 95-94 and stop their three-game losing streak.
Boomers forward Jock Landale coupled three points with five rebounds as Houston pipped the Pistons 101-99 in Detroit.
Nikola Jokic (37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists) had another huge outing as Denver beat Dallas 122-120 at home.
And in Phoenix DeMar DeRozan's 37 points guided Sacramento past the Suns 127-118 in overtime, his eight points in the extra period more than the Suns' seven in total.
LeBron James (19 points, 16 assists, 10 rebounds) added three years to his own record, at 39 becoming the oldest player to register consecutive NBA triple-doubles as Los Angeles surged past Toronto 123-103.
Golden State led by as many as 30 before holding off Oklahoma City's late rally, the 127-116 defeat their first at home this season.
It was a double-whammy for the Thunder as forward Chet Holmgren didn't return after suffering a right hip injury in the first quarter.
With AP
