Things took a turn for the worse early on for the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. This was after Bobby Portis was thrown out of the game after just seven minutes played in the opening quarter.
Portis got ejected after a physical altercation with Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, and after reviewing the incident, Portis’ actions were deemed hostile enough to warrant an automatic ejection.
Milwaukee Bucks News: Khris Middleton Reacts to Bobby Portis’ Ejection
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
“The emotions got the best of him this situation,” Middleton said, via Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I thought for the most part of the year he’s done a great job flirting with that line and not crossing over it. Tonight, it just crossed over at the worst time for us.”
Mar 17, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) brings the ball up the court against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks would go on to lose Game 4, 126-113.
‘Guys Stepped Up’
Apr 7, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee forward Bobby P (9) puts up a shot against New York Knicks in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Middleton reiterated how important Portis is for the team — especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard out injured — and the fact that Portis couldn’t even get through the first quarter was an undeniably tough blow for Milwaukee.
Middleton, however, still credited his team for not giving up amid the overflowing adversity they’ve been faced with of late:
“Down two of your best players and then you’re down one of your best players that’s been playing off the bench all year long and now is in a starting role, we need him,” Middleton said. “It’s unfortunate what happened. But I thought we competed the rest of the game. Even though he went out, guys stepped up. Andre, he played a hell of a game. AJ (Green). (Malik Beasley) ‘Beas. Pat (Connaughton). Jae (Crowder). ‘Gallo.’ They all came in and gave valuable minutes.”
Whoever ends up playing in Game 5, there’s no denying that the Bucks will need to dig deep as they face a seemingly isurmountable 3-1 deficit against Indiana.
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