Nike celebrates Giannis Antetokounmpo's 59-point game vs Pistons but throws shade at Celtics' Jaylen Brown in the process
Giannis Antetokounmpo received his flowers across social media for his 59-point game in the Milwaukee Bucks' 127-120 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Nike's X account joined in on offering its congratulations to the Greek Freak's incredible performance.
Antetokounmpo, of course, has signature shoes with Nike so it's not a complete surprise that the footwear and apparel company gave their client a shoutout.
But Nike also used the moment to throw some shade at Boston Celtics All-Star guard Jaylen Brown, who has been outspoken against the company.
"Nothing childish about 'em. 59 for the Greek freak." Nike wrote on X Thursday afternoon.
Nike didn't tag Brown in the post but the intention was clear.
The post was meant to clap back at Brown, who called Antetokounmpo a child during an interaction the two had during the Celtics' win over the Bucks on Sunday and is someone who has feuded with Nike in the past.
Brown saw the tweet and replied accordingly.
Yall got weird energy https://t.co/f8DTuq2YCQ
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) November 14, 2024
"Yall got weird energy," Brown quote tweeted back.
The Celtics star has since pinned the tweet to the top of his account.
Here's more on the Jaylen Brown vs. Nike feud and how Giannis got involved:
Jaylen Brown and Giannis at Bucks vs Celtics game
In the first half of the Bucks' game against the Celtics on Sunday, Antetokounmpo gave Brown a fake handshake as the two headed back down the court following an offensive foul on the Bucks forward.
Anteotokounmpo pulled his hand back and gave him a smile but Brown was not pleased. When Antetokounmpo went back for another attempt, Brown wasn't playing around.
Brown later delivered a hard foul on Antetokounmpo in the fourth quarter and was assessed a flagrant foul, though the Celtics' 2024 NBA Finals MVP said the two incidents weren't connected.
Giannis gets Jaylen Brown with the elbow, and then fakes out a handshake...
Aggravate JB at your own risk 👀 pic.twitter.com/2lc9qVg1fi— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 10, 2024
Asked about the interactions after the game, Brown said “Giannis is a child. I’m focusing on helping my team get a win and that’s what we did tonight."
Antetokounmpo, who was complimentary of Brown, said his intention wasn't to start a beef.
"It's a joke," Antetokounmpo said. "We're playing basketball and sometimes you have to have fun while playing."
What did Jaylen Brown say about Nike?
Brown and Nike have had a long-running feud that escalated this summer.
A few years ago Brown criticized Nike in response to the company cutting ties with Kyrie Irving over anti-Semitic social media posts in 2022.
"Since when did Nike care about ethics,” Brown tweeted about the incident.
And when Brown wasn't chosen for the Olympic team this year, he alleged that his public stance against the company played a role in the snub.
“I do for sure,” Brown contested at Summer League in Las Vegas in July. “There will be more stuff to come with that. As of now, I’m not gonna comment on it.”
Nike is a sponsor of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and USA Basketball.
Jaylen Brown on whether he believes Nike played a role in him getting left off Team USA:
“I do for sure. Maybe more stuff will come with that. But as of now, I’m not gonna comment on it.” pic.twitter.com/bMsgL8Isr6— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) July 16, 2024
Brown sat down with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith on the personality's YouTube show and addressed the issue again.
"In 2028, if I have to sign to Nike to increase my likelihood to play USA basketball, I'll pass," Brown said when asked about the Olympics in four years.
He added, "I think shoe companies should have less control over the industry."
Jaylen Brown addresses his Olympic snub on The Stephen A. Smith Show 👀 pic.twitter.com/q0VoVi6bkc
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 22, 2024
Brown had a shoe deal with Adidas early in his career before creating his own signature shoe this season.
Jaylen Brown gives an up-close look at his Swoosh-less “Reverse Grinch” Nike Kobe 6 👀 https://t.co/ClbHx71dx4 pic.twitter.com/9iwtCfo50c
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) December 26, 2023
He wore swoosh-less Nikes on Christmas last season.
Jaylen Brown is launching his own performance brand and sneaker called 741 @FCHWPO pic.twitter.com/TQ638llv2D
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) September 24, 2024
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nike celebrates Giannis' 59-point game, throws shade at Jaylen Brown