While the NBA world was busy with Luka Doncic’s revenge game, Giannis Antetokounmpo put his life on the line last night! This might sound a little exaggerated, but that’s what the Rockets vs Bucks game had to offer on Tuesday. Amen Thompson, the sophomore star, if not bullied, out-muscled the Greek Freak near the rim. Guess what? The refs eventually had to eject him off the court because of the harsh nature of the play. Responding to the drama, the superstar had an unusual reaction.The H-Town side has made a reputation for their physicality on the court. Especially with players like Dillon Brooks, who don’t hesitate to instigate an opponent, the teams have come prepared to face these menacing beasts. Giannis isn’t an easy-going player either, at least not all the time. The 7-foot giant has his share of physicality to showcase on the floor. However, last night, he didn’t have any response to 22-year-old Thompson.With four minutes left on the clock, Giannis Antetokounmpo had the opportunity to tie the game near the rim. Amen Thompson, who decided to pull off a Hack-a-Shaq on the big man, got carried away and pulled Giannis down to the floor, grabbing his neck!We know what happened next. Thompson was ejected for the second time this season, on the grounds of flagrant foul 2, but the interesting aspect of it all is the superstar’s response to the attack. Strangely, he wasn’t disappointed…Speaking to the press after the game, Giannis admitted, “You don’t want to have like a league that’s soft. I love guys that play hard. I love guys that they’re great competitors. I’m one of those guys.” Surprising, right? The Greek Freak didn’t just “love” him, but also reasoned why he made that aggressive play. “Sometimes, you know, competitive nature getting the way in making the best judgment… He wanted to make a hard foul, but he grabbed my neck but there’s no hard feeling… when you’re a competitor you’re going to make mistakes like that.” Feb 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesUnexpectedly, Thompson chose not to speak to the reporters after the game. However, both Ime Udoka and Doc Rivers agreed that the Houston star getting ejected was the right call. “Because the contact to the head was both unnecessary and excessive and by rule that’s a flagrant foul penalty two,” Tony Brothers (crew chief) also clarified after the game.So, it’s safe to say that Amen Thompson got away only with a $2000 fine for the ejection for now, or else he would have triggered an unnecessary rivalry with the Greek superstar. Not like Giannis Antetokounmpo would let this slide. He sure keeps his share of receipts. The 30-year-old will find ways to get back, but it will only be in friendly spirits.However, don’t let this over-aggressive version of Thompson dictate your liking/disliking of the superstar. It’s also important to note that the Bucks forward isn’t the only one with no hard feelings, but Amen does have actual admirers out there!Aside from the Giannis Antetokounmpo moment, ‘rare-breed’ Amen Thompson has actually impressed other legends!Firstly, it’s none other than King himself, LeBron James. The 40-year-old is known for his athletic ability, but he was left mesmerized by the sophomore’s aggression on the floor. Speaking to the press after the Lakers’ loss against the Rockets, the 4x Champ had something to say about the Thompson brothers in particular.“They ain’t like the rest of us. I’ve been able to go against some dudes in my career, and those two guys, man, they’re just pure athleticism. They love the game, and you love to see that,” said Bron, selflessly praising the upcoming talents. On the other hand, JJ Redick also didn’t restrict himself from lauding the sophomore, despite tasting the sour loss.Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first half in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada/Pool Photo-Imagn ImagesThe Lakers coach said, “Thompson just killed us all night, whether it was in transition with his cutting or on the offensive glass.” The praise doesn’t stop there. Amen’s own teammate, Steven Adams, referred to him as “one of a kind”. It’s not very easy to get that title in the league. You often get compared to your peers or legends from the past, but to make your own style is something commendable.Moreover, Amen Thompson will likely be playing his first postseason this year. How far do you think he will take his team? Let us know in the comments.The post “Grabbed My Neck”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Breaks Silence As Amen Thompson Faces $2000 NBA Punishment For Scary Incident appeared first on EssentiallySports.