the NBA video rule book gives examples of taunting, all of them are as mild as Giannis' second technical. the rules state: ***"***The taunting of opponents is never permitted, and actions of this nature are penalized immediately.“
Clapping taunt
“This is an example of a Technical Foul for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting. Following the defensive foul by Otto Porter Jr., the offensive player, Grayson Allen, turns towards him, and claps directly at him in a taunting manner. The taunting of opponents is never permitted, and actions of this nature are to be penalized immediately.”
Yelling taunt
“This is an example of a Technical Foul for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting. Following his successful dunk, the offensive player, Jarrett Culver, turns towards the defensive player, Robin Lopez, and he yells at him repeatedly in a taunting manner. The taunting of opponents is never permitted, and actions of this nature are penalized immediately.”
Nodding taunt
“This is an example of a Technical Foul for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting. Following his successful dunk, the offensive player, Kelly Oubre Jr., turns towards the defensive player, Julius Randle, and he nods and flexes at him in a taunting manner. The taunting of opponents is never permitted, and actions of this nature are penalized immediately.”
Placing ball taunt
“This is an example of a Technical Foul for unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting. Following the foul call, the defensive player, Bobby Portis, places the ball on the chest of the prone offensive player, Isaac Bonga, in a taunting manner. The taunting of opponents is never permitted, and actions of this nature are penalized immediately. “