MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Milwaukee Bucks Interview Houston Cougars Coach

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In one of the more surprising offseason moves, the Milwaukee Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer following their first-round playoff exit. Budenholzer had been leading the Bucks since 2018, winning an NBA title in 2021. However, with a second-round exit in 2022 and a first-round exit this year, the team felt it was time for a reset.

The Bucks are one of several title contender teams who parted ways with their head coach. The Sixers parted ways with Doc Rivers earlier this week. Meanwhile, the rebuilding Raptors, Rockets, and Pistons are also hunting for a new coach. While there is a large shared pool of candidates, the Bucks have become the first team to, publicly, turn their attention to the talent at the NCAA level.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 24: Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars speaks to players in a huddle during the second half against the Miami Hurricanes in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 24, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Kelvin Sampson is a veteran coach. Beginning this career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1979, he has held head coaching positions at Montana Tech, Washington State, Oklahoma, and Indiana. Furthermore, he spent six years as an NBA assistant, splitting his time equally between the Bucks and Rockets. However, he returned to the NCAA circuit in 2014 to take the head coaching position with the Houston Cougars. He has since turned Houston into an AAC powerhouse, reaching the Final Four in 2021. Houston was a National Champion favorite in 2023 until a shock loss to Miami in the Sweet Sixteen.

Overall, Sampson is 232-74 in his time at Houston and 731-345 at the college level. However, not only is Sampson an experienced coach, but he also has that valuable experience working within NBA organizations. Little information has been revealed about the Bucks’ coaching search, other than a long list of names. Despite the level of competition for the job, Sampson’s experience and pre-existing relationship with the Bucks’ front office could see him rise to the top. the current pool of candidates for Milwaukee is primarily comprised of long-time assistant coaches from around the NBA. What do you think about Kelvin Sampson as the Bucks coach? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to follow along with the NBA offseason here at HotNewHipHop.

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Milwaukee Bucks Fire Head Coach Mike Budenholzer

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In a shocking move, the Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Mike Budenholzer after the team crashed out of the NBA playoffs. Budenholzer had served as the head coach in Milwaukee since 2018 after leaving the Atlanta Hawks. Budenholzer’s NBA coaching career began in 1996 as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs.

Budenholzer led the Bucks to 58 wins and the Eastern Conference’s first seed. However, the team struggled against the Miami Heat, losing in five games. The Bucks became just the sixth one-seed to lose in the first round of the NBA playoffs. In five years as the Bucks’ head coach, Budenholzer went 271-120 in the regular season and won the NBA Championship in 2021.

Bucks Look To Reset After Playoff Loss

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 19: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a call during the second half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on April 19, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

“The decision to make this change was very difficult. Bud helped lead our team for five incredible seasons, to the Bucks’ first title in 50 years, and into an era of sustained success. We are grateful for the culture of winning and leadership that Bud helped create in Milwaukee. This is an opportunity for us to refocus and reenergize our efforts as we continue building toward our next championship season.” Bucks GM Jon Horst said in a statement. Budenholzer was widely criticized for his time management in Game 5 of the first round of the playoffs. His decision to not take a timeout as time expired meant the game-tying shot was unable to be made.

However, Budenholzer’s firing is the latest in a fascinating trend for NBA coaches. The Bucks become the third championship winner since 2019 to fire their head coach this season. The Raptors recently parted ways with Nick Nurse after their Play-In exit. Meanwhile, the Lakers fired Frank Vogel after the 2021-22 season. In an era of unprecedented player talent, the expectations of success are even higher. No candidates have been linked to the opening as of yet.

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Jimmy Butler Takes One Last Shot At Bucks On Instagram

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Jimmy Butler’s 2023 playoff performances have been the actions of a legend. After a 56-point performance in Game 4, Butler helped finish off the Bucks on Wednesday night with another memorable game. In the Game 5 matchup, Butler finished with 42 points. The back-to-back performances by Butler have caused the legend of “Playoff Jimmy” only to grow. The Heat victory sent the number one seed in the Eastern Conference home early. However, it appears Butler wasn’t finished saying goodbye.

On Thursday, Butler shared his goodbye to the Bucks on his Instagram. Butler shared a photo of himself staring down Bucks guard Jrue Holiday. As well as a picture of teammate Max Straus claiming the Heat would win in five. Right now, Miami and Butler are the talk of the NBA. However, the team will not have long to rest. The Heat already know they will be facing the New York Knicks in the second round. A matchup that is destined to deliver more playoff memories.

Jimmy Butler Solidfies Playoff Legacy

While some players have been accused of talking trash and not backing it up. Butler is doing the exact opposite. The Miami Heat star already has fans ready to build his statue in the city. However, this isn’t the first time Butler has put the franchise on his back during the post-season. The Heat were winners of the Eastern Conference back in 2020. The team that no one expected to be in the Finals gave the would-be champion Lakers everything they wanted and more. The Heat also returned to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Eventually, losing to the Boston Celtics.

The 2023 playoffs have delivered on many different stories. However, the series between the Heat and Bucks gave fans more than they ever expected. Even Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo refused to believe his team’s season was a failure, But a first-round upset for the best team in the conference can’t be considered a success. Can Jimmy Butler bring his magic to the second round against the New York Knicks? Let us know who you think will take the series in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Giannis Slams Reporter For Asking If The Season Was A “Failure”

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Two seasons ago, the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA Championship as the three-seed. They won 46 games during the regular season. This season, they won 58 games and entered the playoffs as the one-seed. This was in spite of Giannis Antetokounmpo being the only player to average more than 20 points per game. In fact, Giannis absolutely carried the team as he averaged a double-double of 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

But it all just fell apart in the playoffs. The Miami Heat played relentlessly and consistently looked like the better team. Furthermore, with Giannis injured for most of Game 1, as well as the entirety of Games 2 and 3, the Bucks’ top-heavy vulnerability was on full display. Sealing the 4-1 series victory with a 128-126 overtime win on Wednesday night, the Heat became the fifth eight-seed to down a one-seed. They also became the first to do it since 2011, when the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs. Furthermore, the Heat also became the first team to both upset a one-seed, and be upset as a one-seed.

Giannis Defends Team And Season

Giannis’s post-game press conference will go down in history as a defining moment of these playoffs. The forward grew visibly frustrated when asked by The Athletic‘s Eric Nehm if he considered the season a “failure.” Nehm also asked the same question to head coach Mike Budenholzer later in the press conference. Giannis rubbed his face with his hands while muttering “oh my God” before responding.

You asked me the same question last year. Okay, do you get a promotion every year? In your job? No, right? So your work is a failure – yes or no? No. Every year that you work, you work towards something. Which is to get a promotion, take care of your family, provide a house for them, care take of your parents. It’s not a failure, it’s steps to success…There’s always steps to it. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won 6 championships. So the other 9 years was a failure? Yes or no? [Nehm: No] Exactly so you’re asking me the wrong question. There’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days. Some days you are able to be successful, some days you are not. Some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn. That’s what sports is about. You don’t always win. Some other people are going to win. This year, somebody else is going to win, simple as that. Next year we’re going to come back and try and be better and build good habits. Try to play better. Not have a 10 day stretch where we play bad basketball. And hopefully we can win a championship. Those 50 years from 1971 to 2021 where we didn’t win a championship – those were 50 years of failure? No it was not. It was steps to it. And we were able to win one and hopefully we can win another one.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo, April 26

Giannis proceeded to apologize to Nehm for “making it personal” but his overall message has quickly resonated across the sporting world. The comments of Schefter’s tweet are filled with people hailing Giannis as a role model and hero. Furthermore, it was retweeted by notable figures such as JJ Watt. It was also shared by numerous youth basketball programs, who w However, of course, there are a handful of detractors who argued that “but of course there’s failure in sports.” Regardless, Giannis made a powerful statement about he defines success and how he approaches the sport that he loves.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo Needed IV Fluids After Bucks Loss

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks came up short in Game 4 against the Miami Heat. While the game is going to be long remembered for the performance of Heat star Jimmy Butler. However, Giannis appears to have given it everything that he could. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Giannis needed IV’s after Monday’s game. The Bucks controlled most of the game. But the Heat were led by a heroic fourth quarter from Butler that ended any chance at a Bucks victory.

However, Giannis’ stat line is one to be remembered as well. The Bucks star finished the game with a triple double. But will be forgotten because of the final score. Giannis has dealt with an injury during this series as well. Back in Game 1, Giannis took a hard fall that had him exit the game The injury caused Giannis to miss Game 2 of the series. However, the Bucks took care of business without their top star. Although, one may wonder if the injury is causing issues elsewhere with Giannis.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Giving The Bucks Everything

Even though the final score didn’t go Milwaukee’s way. It’s hard to find any fault in Giannis’ attempt to avoid a 3-1 series deficit. Now the Bucks must do something that has rarely been completed in the NBA playoffs. At one point in time, coming back from a 3-1 deficit was almost impossible. Now the feat has been done, giving teams like Milwaukee hope that it is possible. However, another performance from Butler like the one on Monday, would seal the Bucks fate.

Game 5 of the series will take place on Friday. Expect Giannis and the Bucks to come out swinging from the opening tip. However, the Heat would love the chance to end the series on Friday. Because a Bucks win would move the series back to Milwaukee until a winner is decided. Do you believe Giannis Antetokounmpo can give another 100% performance in Game 5? Who do you believe will win the series? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Tyler Herro Claims Team Banned From Wearing Certain Sneakers

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Tyler Herro has been sidelined with a broken hand this post-season. The Miami Heat star suffered the injury in the team’s first game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. Herro was told the only chance of a return this season would be if the team makes it to the NBA Finals. However, that may seem like a longshot as no eighth seed has ever appeared in the Finals. While the team’s rivalry with the Bucks continues to grow. Herro recently told a story that brings even more to the hate between the two.

The Atheltic’s Mike Vorkunov recently did an interview with Herro. In the interview, Herro mentioned that the Heat had banned the team from wearing any Giannis signature shoe. Actually, Herro stated the decision was made years ago when the two teams met in the playoffs. However, Herro stated that it was a team decision. Not a decision made by coaches, ownership, or certain players. The ban was put in place to unify the team. Wearing the shoes of your enemy doesn’t really make them feel like your enemy.

Tyler Herro To Miss Playoffs

The Bucks and Heat have split the first two games of the series. Now the next two games will take place in South Beach. However, it is still uncertain if Giannis will be able to return for the Bucks. Giannis suffered a back injury in Game 1, that caused the former MVP to miss Game 2. But the Bucks didn’t miss a beat. As the team took down the Heat in Game 2. Unfortunately, it now seems like injuries are going to continue to play a factor in this series. Just as they’ve done in almost every other series this post-season.

Herro’s injury has been a massive loss for Miami. According to Reggie Miller, Herro’s absence will play a bigger role than Giannis being out for Milwaukee. Those comments have been under fire, as Giannis is the most vital part of the Milwaukee team. What are your thoughts on the Heat banning the team from wearing a competitor’s sneakers? Do you believe that Tyler Herro’s absence from the team is the final straw for the Heats playoff chances? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Out For Game 2 Against Miami

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Add Giannis Antetokounmpo to the list of big stars dealing with injuries in the NBA Playoffs. Giannis has been officially ruled out for the Milwaukee Bucks Game 2 matchup with the Miami Heat. The Bucks star took a hard fall on his back in Game 1. The fall resulted in Giannis leaving the contest early. However, Giannis tried to return on several occasions. But the pain just became too much for him to manage on the floor. Now the Bucks will need to fight with everything they have to even the series.

However, the Miami Heat are also dealing with the injury bug. Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand in Game One. Resulting in the Heat star being unavailable for the team throughout the playoffs. Unless the Heat were to make it to the NBA Finals. Giannis is just the latest star to be ruled out due to injury. The Memphis Grizzlies are currently playing without star point guard Ja Morant. Morant suffered a hand injury in Game One against the Lakers, resulting in his absence tonight.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Must Return For Bucks Success

After Giannis was unable to return in Game One, the Heat took over and never looked back. The Bucks didn’t look like a team that would even be considered a one-seed in either conference. However, the team has more than likely been preparing for the absence of Giannis. Look for Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to lead the Milwaukee offense on Wednesday night. Giannis’ future beyond Wednesday’s game has yet to be announced. However, the Bucks may need to begin planning for a longer absence from the former MVP.

Without Giannis, the Bucks could be the second one-seed to ever lose a series to an eight-seed. The only time it has happened in NBA history was back in 2007. The Golden State Warriors took down the Dallas Mavericks. A series that Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki recently discussed. However, the Bucks will not be trying to be a part of history. Can the Milwaukee Bucks advance without Giannis Antetokounmpo? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Doubtful For Wednesday’s Game

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is the heartbeat of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise. In Game 1 of the team’s series with the Miami Heat, Giannis suffered a back injury from a hard fall. Giannis attempted to finish the game. But the pain was too severe and was pulled before halftime. Now it seems as if the team will need to prepare for their next game without their star. The former MVP has been listed as doubtful on the injury list for Wednesday’s game. Giannis’ production for the Bucks will be an unattainable hole. However, the team must move forward.

The Miami Heat are also dealing with a battle of the injury bug. Heat sharpshooter Tyler Herro broke his hand in the Game 1 matchup. On Tuesday, it was reported that Herro won’t be available unless the team makes the Finals. But the Bucks being without Giannis, could make a trip to the Finals for the Heat a lot easier. Although Reggie Miller believes the Heat losing Herro is worse than the Bucks losing Giannis. Both injuries are bad losses. Check out the video below to see the exact moment of Giannis; injury.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Miss Game 2

However, doubtful doesn’t mean that Giannis has been officially ruled out. But it does seem like the opportunity of seeing him in action will be less likely. The decision to play Giannis could come down to a game-time decision. A decision that the Memphis Grizzlies are currently dealing with as well. Grizzlies star Ja Morant is dealing with a hand injury he suffered in the team’s Game 1 matchup with the Lakers. Even the stars of the game can’t avoid all the injuries happening around the league.

The NBA is a lot more physical than many realize. The league has earned a stigma of being somewhat soft due to acts like flopping. However, these athletes are giving everything they have for one chance at an NBA Finals appearance. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo return before the end of the first-round series? Can the Bucks advance without him? Let us know your thoughts on the Bucks chances in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Reggie Miller’s Bold Claim On Miami Heat Star

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Reggie Miller knows how important a scorer is to a team. On Sunday, the Miami Heat saw Tyler Herro go down with a broken hand. An injury that will sideline the Miami star for the next month and a half. Herro’s absence will be a huge loss to the team. However, Miller tends to believe that his injury is the most vital injury of the series. Miller even believes that Herro’s absence is bigger than Giannis’ potential missing time for the Bucks. Yes, those words were actually said.

Toward the end of the Heat and Bucks game one, Miller discussed the injuries that happened during the game. Miller stated the loss of Herro will be more prominent for the Heat than if Giannis misses time for Milwaukee. Make no mistake, Herro is a great player for Miami. However, it feels if the Bucks are without Giannis, they are a completely different team. The Bucks are the overall one-seed in the Eastern Conference. But without Giannis, they couldn’t beat the eight-seed Heat. Check out the video of Miller discussing the injuries below.

Reggie Miller’s Hot Take On Tyler Herro: Video

Whatever the case may be, both teams are losing significant assets. However, losing a two-time MVP seems like a much more significant loss. Giannis was injured after a hard fall that saw him wincing in pain afterward. The former MVP tried to give it a go on a few different occasions. But in the end, was pulled from the rest of the game. Before Herro’s injury, the former Kentucky Wildcat put in 12 points on nearly 20 minutes of action.

The Heat rolled the Bucks 130-117 in game one. A very surprising result for the clubs. However, Giannis’ absence seemed to have a massive effect on what the Bucks were trying to accomplish. The two teams will not be in action again until Wednesday. With the rest, the Bucks are hopeful that Giannis can give it a go. In the meantime, what is your opinion on Reggie Miller’s take? Is he far off, or does he have a point? Let us know where you stand in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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Jimmy Butler Takes Shot At Bucks In Instagram Story

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Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat in a big game one upset over the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat earned the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference after a win-or-go-home matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Coming off a short rest, the Heat handled the Bucks in game one, 130-117. However, the Bucks were without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for most of the game. Giannis suffered a back injury during a hard fall to the floor.

But even without Giannis, the Bucks should be the cream of the crop as the one seed. However, the Heat proved that without their superstar, Milwaukee can be beaten. Butler led the way for the Heat in both points and assists. The former Marquette star finished the game with 35 points and 11 assists. An incredible performance by a player whose availability was uncertain before the team’s matchup with Chicago. Now, Butler is letting everyone know where his sights are set with his latest Instagram story.

Jimmy Butler Having Fun With The Bucks

Butler seems to be having a little fun with the Heat’s first-round opponent. The Miami forward doesn’t seem to fear the dear. Obviously, a lot of the aura of the team changes if Giannis is suffering a severe injury. The Heat have a huge opportunity to go up 2-0 on the Bucks this Wednesday. However, an eight-seed beating a one is seemingly impossible. But it has been done before. As an eight seed, the Golden State Warriors took down the Dallas Mavericks. So the feat can be completed.

The NBA Playoffs are one of the greatest times of the sports year. Teams and players give everything they have to win the NBA championship. The Heat and Jimmy Butler have been so close in recent years. The team appeared in the 2020 NBA Finals. Falling to LeBron James and the Los Angles Lakers. However, in order to get there again, the Heat will have to climb a nearly impossible mountain. Do you believe the Heat can make a Cinderella run to the NBA Finals? Let us know in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

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