Washington (AFP)

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, last season's best player, was sent off Tuesday against the Washington Wizards for headbutting an opponent as the start of the NBA playoffs approached.

At the start of the second quarter, after a forceful passage whistled against him and words between him and Wizards player Moritz Wagner, the 25-year-old Greek head butted his opponent. The referees immediately ruled him out.

"If I could go back, I wouldn't do it again," reacted Giannis Antetokounmpo after the meeting, explaining that he had acted like this after being mistreated by the Washington defense at the start of the meeting.

Antetokounmpo, the League's best player (MVP) last season and favorite to his own estate, risks suspension at the worst possible time, as the regular season is almost over and the playoffs are due to begin soon, where the Bucks will be among the main players. contenders.

Despite the exclusion of their star player, the Bucks, already assured of ending the season with the best record in the League, won 126-113.

© 2020 AFP