Tensions were high in the final minutes of the Bucks' Game 6 game.
The Indiana Pacers defeated Milwaukee 120-98 on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, winning the series 4-2 and ending the Bucks' season. About two and a half minutes into the game, with the Bucks leading by 20 points, Bucks guard Patrick Beverley threw a basketball from the team's bench to the fans behind him. He appeared to miss his target, a male Pacers fan, and instead punched a female Pacers fan in the side of the head, then demanded the ball back.
The man picked up the ball and threw it back to Beverley, who immediately threw it over his head and with both hands back at the fan. Fan deflected the ball as Bucks staff and security intervened, but Fan and Beverley continued to exchange words.
After Game 6, Patrick Beverley threw the ball to the fans.
🎥 @Stephno pic.twitter.com/6rIKEDbIJu
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 3, 2024
When asked about the post-game exchange, Beverley replied: there is nothing. ” He commented on social media after the match:
It's not fair at all. There was interaction between fans and the baseball team throughout the night. We warned all night and called for help. It's not fair. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/e2o0lcqZtg
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024
Beverley, who averaged 8.6 points and peaked at 13 points in the playoffs, added six points, five assists and two rebounds in Game 6. He added further remorse for his actions via social media on Friday morning:
But we have to be better. And I do 🙏🏾❤️
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024
The Pacers will face the New York Knicks in the second round starting Monday.
(Photo: Jeff Haynes/NBAE, Getty Images)