Nike and Jaylen Brown are taking shots at each other after Giannis’ historic night

It’s no secret that Jaylen Brown hates Nike. The Boston Celtics star blamed shoe company politics as the reason he wasn’t selected for USA Basketball’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics coming off an NBA Finals MVP run. Brown has not backed off of his criticism at the start of this season, saying in a recent interview that he still wouldn’t sign an endorsement deal with Nike even if it cost him a spot on the 2028 Olympic roster.

Brown also suddenly has beef with Giannis Antetokounmpo. As the Bucks and Celtics faced off earlier this week, Antetokounmpo extended his hand out to Brown and then hilariously pulled it away at the last second. Brown was still mad about it after the game, saying “Giannis is a child. I’m just focused on helping my team get a win. And that’s what we did tonight.”

On Wednesday, Antetokounmpo had one of the great games of his career against the Detroit Pistons, finishing with 59 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Is it troubling that the Milwaukee Bucks needed a legendary performance from Giannis just to sneak by the lowly Pistons in overtime? Yes it is. But after a game like that, it’s always good to appreciate Giannis’ greatness.

Antetokounmpo is a Nike athlete. After his incredible performance against the Pistons, Nike had a little fun on Brown’s behalf:

Jaylen Brown has responded:

This is all kind of silly, but generally harmless. Nike’s social media post taking a swipe at Brown is hilarious. It’s only right that Brown fired back.

We need a Celtics vs. Bucks series in the playoffs this year ... if Milwaukee can even make it in the horrible Eastern Conference. The Bucks might need a few more 59-point games from Giannis to get there.