The Milwaukee Bucks saw their once promising 2023-24 season come to an abrupt end following their 120-98 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the first round on Thursday night. Despite the heroic efforts of Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton playing through injury, they were unable to slow down the younger Pacers. Of course, the absence of two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a soleus injury was sorely felt.
May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps what made the Game Six loss all-the-more heartbreaking was how well the Bucks played in Game Five. In that contest, three-time All-Star Khris Middleton had 29 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Patrick Beverley, who started in place of an injured Lillard that game, had 13 points and 12 assists.
Unfortunately, neither Middleton nor Beverley were able to duplicate their Game Five heroics in the next elimination game. Middleton, playing through several injuries including a sprained ankle, had 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Beverley had just six points (on 3/11 shooting), five assists, and one disturbing altercation with a Pacers fan.
Milwaukee Bucks Point Guard Patrick Beverley Throws a Ball at an Indiana Pacers Fan
May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
In what appeared to be an unprovoked action late in the game, Beverley was caught on camera throwing a basketball with purposeful force at a Pacers fan seated behind the Bucks’ bench:
This action led to a slew of criticism for the Bucks’ guard from fans and analysts alike. “Him and Draymond [Green] need to be kicked out of the league,” on X (formerly Twitter) wrote.
Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley said, “Listen, I’ve done stupid stuff and I got criticized. That’s just wrong. He’s gonna get suspended for that. And that’s gonna be a good one, too. ‘Cause he didn’t do it once. He did it twice.”
It certainly looks disturbing, but as always, there are two sides to the story, and Beverley made sure his side was heard on social media.
Patrick Beverley Responds to Video of Altercation Behind the Milwaukee Bucks’ Bench
Apr 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
As the video of his altercation with the Pacers fan went viral on social media, Beverley reposted it on X, claiming that the criticism he was getting was unfair:
Beverley does not go into specifics about what the fan was allegedly doing or saying to Bucks players throughout the game. He does state, however, that the team asked officials for help and claims they were not given any.
That being said, he did admit that he could have handled the situation better:
Whether he will “be better” in Milwaukee or somewhere else next season remains to be seen.
Will Patrick Beverley Be Back with the Milwaukee Bucks Next Season?
Apr 23, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) puts up a shot against Indiana Pacers in the first half during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY SportsAfter losing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the second year in a row, it is clear that the Bucks have a great deal of work to do when it comes to restructuring their roster. The fact of the matter is that, especially without Giannis on the floor, they are too old and slow to keep up with younger teams.
Beverley certainly brings a high level of energy to the court and he will, undoubtedly, find a team to play for next season. His defense is too valuable not to be utilized by someone.
If he wants to stay in Milwaukee, however, it will have to be on a veteran minimum deal, something that he may not be interested in signing. There is the Doc Rivers factor, though, as the two have a history together as player and coach on multiple teams.
It was clear going into the NBA trade deadline that the Bucks could not function without a true backup point guard behind Lillard. That was why they went out and got Beverley in the first place. Milwaukee will, once again, be in the market for a backup guard this offseason, but there may be cheaper options that Beverley available.
If he will not go that route, he will be playing elsewhere.
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