Shock moment NBA stars Ivica Zubac and Dario Saric are involved in mass 5.30am club brawl after Olympics qualifying loss
NBA players Ivica Zubac and Dario Saric were involved in a brawl just hours after playing for Croatia against Greece in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament clash.
The physical altercation took place outside a nightclub near the Greek capital at around 5:30 am.
Video footage obtained by TMZ Sports showed Zubac, 27, seemingly fighting with another man outside Bolivar Beach Bar.
The LA Clippers could then be seen being pulled away by what appeared to be club security.
Saric, 30, ran up to his countryman to offer support before seemingly being shoved by another guard.
As the scuffle went on, the 6-foot-10 forward — who had just signed a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets — appeared to have landed on the ground after being put in a chokehold.
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The two Croatia stars could eventually be seen being rushed toward the exit by a group of men in black T-shirts.
Witnesses told TMZ that it was not clear what sparked the brawl.
The outlet also reported that police did not appear to be present.
"After the final game of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Greece and the official dinner, the coach thanked the players for their hard work and dismissed the national team," the Croatian Basketball Federation said in a translated statement obtained by The U.S. Sun.
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"This is due to the fact that the players were allowed to travel to different destinations after the tournament based on their individual needs.
"After several weeks of intense training and games, the players decided to have a farewell get-together before heading back to their homes or clubs.
"While hanging out at a club in Athens, some of our players were verbally and then physically attacked, prompting them to defend themselves.
"The incident was brief, thanks to the quick intervention of the club's security staff."
Greece beat Croatia 80-69 to secure their first Olympic qualification in 16 years.
Zubac led the team in scoring with 19 points while collecting 12 rebounds.
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Saric ended the night with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo shined against Croatia, logging 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists for Greece.
The Milwaukee Bucks forward became emotional after securing his first trip to the Olympics, breaking down in tears as he stood on the sidelines with his son after the game.
The two-time NBA MVP later posted a picture of the moment on social media.
"I have never cheat the game..." he wrote in the caption.
"See you in Paris [praying hand emojis] #Atoutaler."
The 2024 Olympics — taking place in Paris, France — begin on Friday, July 26.
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The men's basketball tournament will tip off the following day with Greece competing in Group A alongside Canada, Australia, and Spain.
Team USA will face Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico in Group C.