After displaying an admirable combination of heart and grit in Game 5 of their NBA Playoffs matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the Milwaukee Bucks were thoroughly outclassed in Thursday's series-clinching Game 6. It was a brutal way to end an injury- ravaged and tumultuous postseason campaign.
But the 120-98 outcome was sadly not the biggest Bucks lowlight to occur in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The usually intense Patrick Beverley became unglued in the final minutes of the contest. His shocking exchanges with fans who were sitting behind the bench could earn him punishment from the league.
Beverley hit a woman in the head with a basketball, asked for it back and then chucked it at a man who was sitting a row ahead of her, per SiriusXM NBA's Rob Perez and ClutchPoints, respectively. It is unknown if words were said prior to the incident, but these type of outbursts obviously have no place in sports.
The 2017 Hustle Award winner is lauded for his defensive physicality and high motor, qualities that helped him enter the NBA after a four-year stint overseas and stick around for over a decade. There is obviously a line that one is not allowed to cross, however.
It can seemingly be inferred that Beverley was aiming at the man from the beginning, but both incidents are of course going to warrant a swift response. The outspoken Patrick Beverley may have something to say as well.
Although there are probably some Bucks fans who will want more information about the lead-up to this eruption, this behavior is generally grounds for suspension. This could conceivably be the last memorable thing Beverley does as a member of this franchise, as he hits the free agent market this summer.
Patrick Beverley, Bucks fail to come through vs. Pacers
While the injuries sustained by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard dramatically impacted this first-round series, Milwaukee still had opportunities to survive Indiana. The team could not keep up with the Pacers on this night and were out of sync on offense.
Lillard and Book Lopez put forth a solid effort, combining for 48 points, but the Bucks shot 65.6 percent from the free throw line (21-of-32) and 25.9 percent from 3-point range (7-of-27). Patrick Beverley, who recorded a double-double in Milwaukee's blowout Game 5 win, scored only six points on 3-of-11 shooting on Thursday.
The franchise is headed for a tough offseason that may not offer many answers. Because of the aforementioned misfortunes, the organization could be content keeping the core intact and giving it a go under a full year of head coach Doc Rivers. Some changes will be made, though.
Beverley could be included in those roster adjustments. This indiscretion is definitely not the impression he will want to leave potential suitors with going into the summer.
Beverley did not offer up an explanation. “Nah, don’t worry about that. Nothing,” he said, per Lauren Merola of The Athletic