Most streetball challenges go unnoticed. But every now and then, one turns into a spectacle. Social media-driven one-on-one battles have exploded in recent years, racking up millions of views and bringing raw competition back to the forefront. But what happens when a viral sensation steps up against an NBA vet? Kevin Garnett made sure the world watched as Brian Scalabrine took a trick-shot artist to school
George Papoutsis, aka ‘The Messiah,’ a trick-shot artist famed for viral stunts, challenged Scalabrine to a one-on-one showdown. Why? Who knows. But Garnett made sure the world noticed. He posted, “Ooooooo DID THE MESSIAH JUST WANT SMOKE WITH SCAL? WM you might have to come out of retirement…” That was all it took; the challenge was set, and Scalabrine had a decision to make.
Then came the fireworks. The challenge video hit social media like a match to gasoline, setting the internet ablaze. Garnett, ever the instigator, was quick to stir the pot: “Ooooooo shhhiii it went down… What was this tho… No ref? Nah yall wilding.” Matt Barnes jumped in too, writing, “Way to bust his f$&kn a** @whitemamba. When bullies get bullied.” These reactions couldn’t be more fitting—Messiah thought he was running the show, but he ended up on the wrong side of the highlight reel.
May 15, 2021; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Class of 2020 inductee Kevin Garnett speaks during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
So what actually went down? The game got physical fast. Papoutsis locked onto Scalabrine like a desperate defender. One sharp elbow to the stomach sent a message. But instead of taking it, Messiah sold a phantom call, clutching his face like a soccer flop. The internet didn’t buy it. And neither did KG and Barnes.
Kevin Garnett would be proud: Mamba stands his ground
If there’s one thing Kevin Garnett loves, it’s a player who refuses to back down. After watching Brian Scalabrine handle George Papoutsis, there’s no doubt KG would be proud. White Mamba wasn’t just unfazed—he was fired up. In another clip, he didn’t just defend his actions; he made it clear that he wasn’t here to be disrespected.
“C’mon, dog, stop throwin’ the fuckin’ ball over the fence. Put your fuckin’ hands on me like that, that’s what it’s gonna be,” Scalabrine warned. His message was simple—play fair or deal with the consequences. He continued, “Y’all think I’m sweet, I ain’t fu**in’ sweet. Let’s go, let’s go.” There was no apology, no backing down. Mamba was there to compete, and he wasn’t about to let anyone turn the game into a joke.
Panicked, Papoutsis hurled the ball to his friend Jeff, pleading in another video. “Bust his a**, Jeff. No, come on. George, get over here, bro. Bust his a**, Jeff. Do it for me, man.” But Jeff wasn’t interested in bailing him out. With no other option, Messiah had to step back onto the court.
And that’s when reality hit. Scalabrine, the much bigger and stronger player, dominated him with ease. Every move Messiah tried, Mamba had an answer. Turns out, calling out an NBA veteran is easy. Facing him, though? That’s a different story.
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