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‘Trying to F**king Kill Me’: Moe Wagner Reflects on the Time Giannis Antetokounmpo Head-Butted Him in Orlando Bubble

Published 09/10/2021, 7:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Giannis Antetokounmpo is mostly on the good side while playing in the NBA. His sole focus is always to win the game and play his part in doing so. However, even the Finals MVP has his angry moments sometimes.

The ‘Greek Freak’ has had a few altercations throughout his career. While he is energetic due to his dominant play, sometimes it is sheer anger that takes over. Being a man of pride, Antetokounmpo despises any disrespect. Likewise, Moe Wagner fell victim to his wrath in the bubble.

USA Today via Reuters

It was a game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Wizards in the Orlando bubble. The Bucks were the top seed preparing for the playoffs while Wizards were on a 6 game losing streak. The game was rather physical and Giannis ended up only playing 11 minutes because he was ejected.

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Wagner talks Giannis Antetokounmpo headbutt

He was thrown out because he head-butted Wizards’ Moe Wagner during a timeout in the second quarter. Recently, Wagner explained the incident. He explained how Antetokounmpo might have been angry before the incident as Wagner hit him unintentionally, causing him to fall.

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Following the incident, Giannis went in for the kill. Wagner explained: “Budenholzer is calling a play and I’m watching Giannis the entire time. Budenholzer is calling a play and Giannis said ‘f**k that, give me the ball’. Takes the ball and just dribbles downhill like with his look in his eyes like he is trying to f**king kill me. And I literally just fell.”

He then spoke about how they crossed paths during the timeout and knew something was going to happen. Wagner said: “Somebody calls a timeout and we cross paths again. And I could tell like he was like trying to talk or do anything, he was going for anything. We literally cross paths and I look away, and I would never have expected him to headbutt me.” 

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USA Today via Reuters

Wagner admitted that it hurt, and he knew that was the end of Giannis Antetokounmpo for the game. But, Antetokounmpo still had 12 points and 9 rebounds in 10 minutes. He went on to receive a one-game suspension for his actions.

Do you think Giannis deserved to receive a one-game suspension for the headbutt? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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