Bucks’ Beverley throws basketball at Pacers fans

Tensions were high near the end of the Bucks’ Game 6 matchup.

The Indiana Pacers thwarted Milwaukee 120-98 on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, capturing the series 4-2 and ending the Bucks’ season. With roughly two and a half minutes to play and down 20, Bucks guard Patrick Beverley threw a basketball at a fan behind him from the team’s bench. He appeared to miss his target, a male Pacers fan, instead hitting a female Pacers fan in the side of the head before asking for the ball back.

The man collected the ball and tossed it back to Beverley, who immediately over-the-head, double-hand chucked it back at the fan. The fan deflected the ball as Bucks staff and security stepped in, but the fan and Beverley continued to exchange words.

Patrick Beverley threw the ball at a fan at the end of Game 6.

🎥 @StephNoh pic.twitter.com/6rIKEDbIJu

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 3, 2024

When asked about the exchange postgame, Beverley said: “Nah, don’t worry about that. Nothing.” He also issued this response via social media after the game:

Not Fair at all. Exchanged between a fan and our ball club all night. We warned and asked for help all night. Not fair. 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/e2o0lcqZtg

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024

Beverley — who averaged 8.6 points in the playoffs, peaking at 13 — scored six in Game 6, adding five assists and two rebounds. He added further reflection on his actions via social media on Friday morning:

But I have to be better. And I will 🙏🏾❤️

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 3, 2024

The Pacers play the New York Knicks in the second round starting Monday.

(Photo: Jeff Haynes / NBAE via Getty Images).