The Boston Celtics kept their strong season going with a 111-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. With a 19-4 record, they hold one of the best stats in the NBA this season.
As favorites, the Celtics showed why they’re on top. However, the game wasn’t just about the score. Fans were upset about a controversial moment in the third quarter involving Jaylen Brown.
The trouble began in the third quarter when Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown got into a heated argument and Brown got a technical foul. Brown did something flashy by crossing up Giannis for a bucket.
Jaylen Brown received a technical foul for taunting Giannis on this play. pic.twitter.com/xaKiiCq5ph
— ESPN (@espn) December 7, 2024
He then made the “too small” sign as a playful teasing gesture. When the referee saw this, he blew his whistle, punishing Brown with a technical foul.
Though the Celtics won the game, fans were upset about the foul. They took to social media to share their frustration with the referee’s decision.
For those who missed it, Jaylen’s “too small” gesture mirrors the circumstances of their previous meeting, which the Celtics also won in November.
stop with these soft taunting techs man let em have some competitiveness
— wholesome nba fan (@idcstfumaynee) December 7, 2024
NBA so soft smh this is what makes games entertaining
— Jay (@YngJackieAprile) December 7, 2024
This league is so weak bro, how are we supposed to develop drama with how soft the league is.
— Southern Charm Sports (@SouthernCharmSp) December 7, 2024
Technical foul for taunting? That's like getting a speeding ticket for doing a victory lap. 🚗🏍️
— Scrolling Hall of Fame (@ScrollingHOF) December 7, 2024
Jaylen Brown calls Giannis’ actions ‘childish’
Not to mention, for Brown, this moment felt like payback. In an earlier game against the Celtics, Giannis tricked Brown by pretending to offer a handshake and then making fun of him. It seemed like a high school prank.
Then at the press conference, Jaylen Brown called Giannis’ actions “childish.” He said, “Giannis is a child. I’m just focused on helping my team win, and that’s what we did tonight.”
Jaylen Brown——
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) November 11, 2024
“Giannis is a child. I’m just focused on helping my team get a win” 😳
pic.twitter.com/IUUpzCAcEb
Later, Giannis calmly explained his intentions. He said, “Obviously, it’s a joke. This is who I am. I play the game with fun and joy. I surround myself with young people so I can stay young myself.”
