The Milwaukee Bucks player, Patrick Beverley, lost his cool and threw his frustration at the fans of the other side on Thursday night when the franchise was eliminated from the NBA playoffs.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the third-seeded team, the Bucks, 120-98 in Game 6, to complete the series victory.
And when the clock was ticking away to their imminent demise, Beverley showed himself to be a bitter loser as tensions boiled over on the Milwaukee bench.
During the final minutes of the Bucks’ season-ending loss, the guard’s display of unsportsmanlike behavior was shown on TNT.
With Brook Lopez being replaced by Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Twice, Beverley hurled a basketball towards the supporters of Indiana.
Milwaukee Bucks star Patrick Beverley let his temper flare during his team’s elimination
The guard was captured launching a ball at Pacers fans multiple times during Game 6
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Beverley and the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs with a 120-98 loss to the PacersBeverley was observed tossing a ball towards the Pacers fans seated behind the Bucks bench, striking a woman on the side of her head, while Lopez gave his colleagues high fives.
He then asked another fan to return the ball, and the fan graciously did so. However, as soon as the ball was back in his possession, Beverley hurled it back at him with some force.
The startled Pacers fans watched in horror as the enraged guard had to be restrained by his teammates.
Beverley’s actions during the game did not result in any discipline, but the league will probably investigate and impose any required punishment—which may include a fine, a ban, or both.
Since the Bucks are no longer in the playoff picture and the guard will be an unrestricted free agency this summer, any potential ban would have to be served in the upcoming season.
Obviously, the NBA has clamped down on players mingling with fans after the historic 2004 ‘Malice at the Palace’ riot.
Beverley’s dissatisfaction was evident as the Bucks lost, finishing with just six points, five assists, two rebounds, and a 3-for-11 shooting performance.
The series had previously grown tense, as seen by Bobby Portis of the Bucks’ ejection from Game 4 following a physical altercation with Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard.
As things heated up on the bench, his colleagues had to hold the 35-year-old back.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was not with the Bucks this time around. After hurting his left calf on April 9, the two-time league MVP was never able to play.
After recovering from a right Achilles injury, Damian Lillard played admirably but was not quite as effective as he had been in the first two games, when he scored 69 points. Lillard made 7 of 16 shots for 28 points in the end.
Milwaukee’s Portis Jr. contributed 20 points and 15 rebounds. Khris Middleton contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Brook Lopez scored 20 points as well.
To stay up with the Pacers, who won a postseason series for the first time in ten years, however, proved to be insurmountable.
In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Pacers will play the victor of the Philadelphia-New York series. It was 3-2 for New York going into Game 6 on Thursday.
Patrick Beverley breaks silence after throwing the ball at Pacers fans as Stephen A. Smith slams ‘indefensible’ Bucks guard
The star player for the Bucks, Patrick Beverley, promised to “be better” after it was observed that, twice during Milwaukee’s NBA playoff loss, he threw a ball at Pacers fans.
Beverley lost his cool and threw his frustration at the fans of the other side on Thursday night when the squad was eliminated from the playoffs.
The ball was then promptly launched again by him after he had demanded its return from another admirer.
Milwaukee Bucks star Patrick Beverley let his temper flare during his team’s elimination
However, the guard expressed greater remorse on Friday morning by posting on social media, saying, “I have to get better.” And I shall.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the third-seeded team, the Bucks, 120-98 in Game 6, to complete the series victory.
Beverley’s antics during the Bucks’ season-ending loss were caught on camera during the TNT broadcast with less than three minutes remaining.
The Pacers supporters stared in shock as the enraged guard had to be restrained by his teammates.
The guard was captured launching a ball at Pacers fans multiple times during Game 6
Beverley and the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs with a 120-98 loss to the Pacers
Afterwards, Beverley interrupted his answer to a question to grill ESPN reporter Malinda Adams after going back to the locker room to finish up his media obligations. Strangely enough, he inquired if she listened to his program. ‘You can’t interview me then,’ he shot back when she answered no. With no offense.
Get that mic out of my face, please, Beverley ordered Adams as he heard another reporter try to ask him a question.
Adams then turned it back to Beverley to get his response, and he ordered her to “please exit the circle if you are not a subscriber to my podcast.” Thank you very much.
Among those criticizing Beverley’s actions both on and off the court was ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, who predicted a “severe” punishment.
The 35-year-old had to be held back by his teammates as things got heated on the bench
‘I just can’t believe he did that… it’s inexcusable. It’s indefensible,’ Stephen A. Smith said
“I find it unbelievable that he did that.” It’s been years since I met Patrick Beverley. I adore the brother. It is unacceptable. He stated on First Take that it is inexcusable. He didn’t plan to toss the ball at the woman when he flung it into the stands, but he shouldn’t have thrown it the first time.
That is not what you do.Smith expressed his empathy for the players in light of the heckling they endure from the crowd. However, that does not free you from upholding your professional obligations and decorum toward the league, the organization, and yourself, the expert stated.
That is not what you do.
“It’s an extremely bad look,” he continued. Undoubtedly, a ban is on the horizon… the penalty is on the horizon, and I believe it will be harsh.
On Friday, Adams said on X that Beverley had contacted her to apologize.
“I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support,” she wrote on social media.
I feel modest.
“Patrick Beverley apologized to me over the phone.” I accept it and am grateful for it. Additionally, the Bucks apologized.
“I’ve been in the news for more than 40 years, and grace and kindness always come out on top.”