The Miami Heat really handed the Milwaukee Bucks a huge upset in this year?s playoffs. The number one-seeded Bucks were eliminated from the first round by the eighth-seeded Heat. A lot of fingers were pointed here and there amongst the Bucks organization. And it looks like the blame has finally landed on one person as the team looks to move in a new direction, even drawing reactions from Damian Lillard.
The Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA championship in the past 50 years. And a big part of their championship run was due to their head coach, Mike Budenholzer. However, after their embarrassing first-round exit this year, the Bucks took some shocking decisions.?
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks move on quick
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According to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer has been dismissed by the team?s front office. Budenholzer was the Bucks? head coach for the past five years.
Mike Budenholzer played a huge part in helping Milwaukee win their championship in 2021. Not only that, Budenholzer also helped the Bucks create a formidable roster with a great balance of veteran and young players to play alongside one another.
But after the poor performance by Milwaukee in the first round, all blame seemingly fell upon their head coach. Fans certainly were not happy with Budenholzer?s defensive adjustments to guard Heat?s star, Jimmy Butler as he went off in games 4 & 5.
Moreover, one of the most controversial topics of discussion was Budenholzer?s decision-making in Game 5. Having a timeout to spare, the Bucks head coach decided not to call one in the final seconds of the fourth quarter which may have changed the fate of the game.
Not only that, Budenholzer barely made any adjustments in Game 5?s overtime period as well.
However, it was just days after their elimination that Budenholzer revealed that he lost his brother in a car accident which may have explained why he was not on point while on the sidelines. Moreover, we can’t forget Giannis Antetokounmpo missing out half the series after an injury early in Game 1.?
But despite those reasons, the Bucks have decided to move on from Budenholzer.
Damian Lillard joins fans in the Bucks’ slander
After the news broke out of the Bucks letting go of their head coach, fans immediately called out the organization. They commented on Budenholzer’s devastating loss and also Antetokounmpo’s injury, something he had no control over.?
One fan tweeted, ?Not even 2 weeks since his brother passed.?
Not even 2 weeks since his brother passed😭
— KingsMuse (@kings_muse) May 4, 2023
While another fan commented, ?Had a family member die during the series, and had his best player injured, and they fire him. Wow.?
Had a family member die during the series, and had his best player injured, and they fire him. Wow.
— Double H (@DoubleH_YT) May 4, 2023
Even Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard said, ?Folks out here firing championship coaches as soon as they don?t win the chip.?
Folks out here firing championship coaches as soon as they don’t win the chip …
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 4, 2023
Here are a few more reactions from fans on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/nijigasakilove/status/1654248406221565953?s=20
That is so cheap, it is worse than the Grizzlies ditching Brooks. Accountability is dead for NBA Superstars. I am sick to my stomach. Another reason why I do not cheer for any franchise but follow my favorite players around the league lol!
— Chewing Sand (@chewing_sand) May 4, 2023
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— Hogg (@HoggNFL) May 4, 2023
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Watch This Story – Rare display of anger from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O’Neal slaps back at Bucks star just to teach him a painful lesson
Budenhlzer will arguably go down as one of the finest coaches in Milwaukee Bucks history. Hopefully, Coach Mike will get another chance with a team in the league soon.