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Fair or foul? Gamesmanship in NBA Finals centers on favorable treatment from refs

MILWAUKEE — Channeling his inner Muhammad Ali, Giannis Antetokounmpo pointed to foul-induced scratches on his face, “making my pretty face ugly” as evidence his numerous trips to the free-throw line in Game 3 of the NBA Finals were well-earned.

It drew the mild observation from Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams, who noted Antetokounmpo took more free throws than the entire Suns team — harkening back to a more blatant form of gamesmanship in the NBA.

Williams is a straight shooter and hasn’t been slick through the media. The audio clips the NBA releases show Williams’ approach with his players, where he doesn’t give off much in the way of airs and graces.