Since the inaugural In-Season Tournament, the Indiana Pacers have emerged as the league's latest Cinderella story. Their energetic play and captivating intensity have made them a joy to watch. However, in their recent encounter with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, they may have bitten off more than they could chew. A story that has captured the attention of NBA fans everywhere has brought about reactions from every corner. Naturally, Shaquille O'Neal had to offer his opinion on the matter.

According to the legendary center, Giannis Antetokounmpo's outburst and demand for the game ball are justified. In an interview with TMZ, O'Neal stated, "By the letter of the law, if you're playing at home, you should get the ball if something spectacular happens." And with Antetokounmpo's career-high 64 points, the "something spectacular" portion certainly applied.

The incident took center stage during the two teams' first matchup since the IST. While the game remained close for a significant portion, the two-time MVP's offensive explosion proved to be the difference-maker. However, despite the custom tradition, Antetokounmpo was denied the game ball for his historic performance. This understandable frustration led to the Greek native pointing fingers at the Pacers organization and its staff. The heated exchange and comments made during the post-game press conference could fuel a budding rivalry between the divisional rivals.

However, the Pacers' decision to award the game ball to rookie Oscar Tshiebwe, who scored his first career points in the game, was not entirely unjustified. The Congolese native, who moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic, had a significant milestone moment in his young career.

The game ball controversy has sparked a debate among fans and experts, with some supporting Antetokounmpo's claim and others backing the Pacers' decision to honor Tshiebwe. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between honoring individual achievements and recognizing the significance of milestones for rookies.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo's record-breaking performance deserved recognition, Oscar Tshiebwe's first NBA basket marked a significant moment in his own career. The controversy also highlights the importance of sportsmanship and consideration for others, even in the heat of the moment.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic between the Bucks and Pacers evolves. The game ball incident could serve as a catalyst for a heated rivalry, but it could also lead to a more respectful and competitive relationship between the two teams.