NBA Opens Investigation Into Patrick Beverley After Viral Incident

The NBA is probing a heated exchange that occurred Thursday night between Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley and an Indiana Pacers fan, which escalated during the closing minutes of the Bucks’ season-ending loss in Game 6 of their playoff series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Pacers dominated the game, leading to a 120-98 victory over the Bucks and securing their advancement to the second round of the playoffs.

The incident occurred when Beverley, frustrated by the imminent loss and apparent heckling from the crowd, threw a basketball toward a fan. The ball missed its intended target, striking a female spectator instead.

Witnesses report that after the initial throw, the male fan retrieved the ball and threw it back to Beverley, who then hurled it back at the fan with considerable force.

The situation quickly escalated as Bucks staff and security intervened to prevent further confrontation. However, verbal exchanges between Beverley and the fan continued.

The Athletic reported the incident indicated that taunting from the fan, including shouts of “Cancun on 3,” provoked Beverley’s response. The chant referenced the end of the Bucks’ playoff run, suggesting a vacation was next for the team. This was followed by additional obscenities directed at Beverley, adding to the tension.

The league confirmed on Friday that it was looking into the matter to determine the appropriate response to Beverley’s actions. Postgame, Beverley downplayed the incident, telling reporters, “Nah, don’t worry about that. Nothing.” He later addressed the event on social media, reflecting briefly without going into detail about his actions.

Beverley, who averaged 8.6 points, five assists, and two rebounds during the playoffs, had a quieter performance in Game 6, contributing six points, five assists, and two rebounds.

The Pacers, having closed out the series, will face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals starting Monday. The outcome of the NBA’s investigation and any potential disciplinary actions against Beverley will be closely watched as the playoffs continue.