Giannis Antetokounmpo Rebuts Doc Rivers' 'Pettiness' After Miami Victory

Giannis Antetokounmpo called Doc Rivers' recent criticism 'insane' following Miami's 114-108 win against the Kings.

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 27.5 points and 12.8 rebounds per game averages this season following Miami’s 114-108 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. The win improved the Heat to a 4-6 record. After the game, Antetokounmpo addressed Thursday’s episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," where former coach Doc Rivers claimed the star played a "game" to avoid being the "bad guy" during his departure from the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo told reporters he was "speechless" and advised other athletes not to be thwarted by "bitterness or pettiness."

Rivers, now an NBC analyst, alleged that Antetokounmpo wanted General Manager Jon Horst and owner Wes Edens to initiate a trade rather than requesting one himself. While Antetokounmpo publicly maintained he would never demand a trade during the 2025-26 season, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that the player and agent Alex Saratsis had informed the Bucks of a trade request as early as May 2025. Rivers further criticized the two-time MVP's basketball IQ, stating the forward relies primarily on "downhill, force, force."

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra defended his new star, noting that the team is making progress integrating Antetokounmpo's style. The 31-year-old was acquired by Miami earlier this year in a deal that sent Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and four draft picks (including three first-rounders) to Milwaukee. Bobby Portis also moved to Miami as part of the transaction.