The relationship between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Alperen Şengün appears to have survived EuroBasket.
After an internationally tense back-and-forth, the Milwaukee Bucks star and Houston Rockets big man published a joint Instagram post on Tuesday showing them hugging each other, with a caption affirming their unity as competitors.
The backstory here is that both players made comments that stoked some national resentment between the countries on each side of the Aegean Sea.
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The Greek and Turkish teams squared off in the semifinal, with Şengün’s side winning a 94-68 blowout. After the game Şengün posted something that reportedly translates to “Wouldn’t the sea weather be nice?” Per EuroHoops, the post was interpreted by many Greeks as a reference to the 1922 burning of the city of Smyrna at the end of the 1919-22 Greco-Turkish War, an event that has very different connotations for the two countries.
Antetokounmpo apparently didn’t appreciate it, as he was later seen profanely rejecting the Turkish flag when the country’s fans invaded his Instagram Live after Greece’s win over Finland for the bronze medal.
Both men posted direct apologies for what was said on their Instagram stories.
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Şengün:
My post after Greece game was a communication mistake. I have great respect for Greek people. No offense was ever intended.
Antetokounmpo:
During my live feed, I made an inappropriate comment responding to somebody that was making disrespectful remarks. My intention was never to offend anyone. AND IM DEEPLY SORRY. I have nothing but love and respect for turkey and people all around the world
That’s how our parents raised us with love and respect
Germany defeated Türkiye 88-83 for the gold medal on Sunday.