The Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the NBA playoffs was ugly. Patrick Beverley made it really ugly.
In the final minutes of Game 6 of the Bucks’ 120-98 series loss, Beverley was seen on the TNT broadcast laughing at a Pacers fan and hitting her in the head with the ball. He then asked for the ball from a different fan and threw it back.
Beverley continued to jaw with fans behind him as Bucks teammates and coaches and security handled the situation.
according to Sham Charania of AthleticsOne of the fans shouted “Cancun … Cancun by 3” as the Bucks left the huddle.
Beverly will certainly be disciplined by the NBA. He was not fired for the incident, but he did not appear in the game again.
Beverly scored six points on 3-of-11 shooting with five assists, two rebounds and zero turnovers. He He sent a congratulatory message to the Packers After the game, the Bucs responded to the altercation hours later, complaining that they had “exchanged” with a fan during the game and called the situation “unfair.”
It is unclear whether the fan in question threw the ball to Beverly, a man or woman. He didn’t apologize.
It’s not fair at all. They alternated between fans and our football club throughout the night. We warned all night and called for help. Eftahwi. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/e2o0lcqZtg
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024
Patrick Beverley later apologized for not recording the reporter on the podcast.
Beverley didn’t make friends during the postgame media presence, as she surprisingly admitted she didn’t sign up for the podcast to answer questions from ESPN’s Malinda Adams.
After taking questions from various reporters, Beverly asked the reporter to get out of his head. CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney pointed out Ever since he was shipped to Milwaukee at the trade deadline, Beverley has done this with all reporters.
Patrick Beverley told ESPN’s female reporter that she couldn’t interview him because she wasn’t signed up for the podcast. pic.twitter.com/sRFHiZJaSK
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) May 3, 2024
Brian Windhorst of ESPN. And Mark Spears They were among the voices criticizing Beverley for his behavior, with the Spurs Beverley previously dissing NBPA executive Michelle Roberts in 2020.
But I have to be better. Me too 🙏🏾❤️
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024
Adams called Beverly on Friday morning and apologized for his actions after the game.
I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support. I am humble. Patrick called Beverly and apologized. I appreciate and accept. Bux also arrived to apologize. I have been in the news for over 40 years and kindness and grace always win.
— Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) May 3, 2024
Overall, it was a rough night for the Bucks as the Pacers quickly took control and led by double digits for much of the fourth quarter. Milwaukee entered the game fresh from its big win in Game 5 and the return of Damian Lillard, but it still came up short. Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the entire series with a calf injury late in the regular season.
The Packers will face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the Bucs head into the offseason with a number of tough questions after a midseason coaching change. Beverley is a pending free agent.