The Milwaukee Bucks, who already lost Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, lost another key player early in Game 4 of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
Officials ejected Bobby Portis in the first quarter after a scuffle with Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard. Late in the first quarter, with the Pacers leading 17-16, Portis and Nembhard took shots at the baseline after the dead-ball whistle.
Bucks forward Khris Middleton was fouled on a drive to the basket, resulting in a missed shot. As the two fought for rebound position, Portis reached for Nembhardt's right shoulder. Nembhard shoved Portis, but Portis shoved Nembhard and slapped him on the back of the head. The two were separated before the situation worsened.
Officials confirmed the incident on a replay monitor. Nembhard was given a technical foul and Portis was given two technical fouls and was sent off. Officials cited Portis' two incidents, a “poke in the chest” and a “slap that made contact with Nembhard's head,” as separate technical fouls.
Tyrese Haliburton made a technical free throw for the Pacers, then Middleton made a free throw for a personal foul.
The loss of Portis was a huge blow to a Bucks team that had two All-Stars injured and entered the game in a 2-1 series hole. Antetokounmpo has missed six consecutive games with a calf strain and has yet to make his postseason debut. Lillard injured his Achilles tendon in Game 4 and was ruled out early Sunday.
Portis was a finalist for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award, but was inserted into the starting lineup when Antetokounmpo was sidelined with three games remaining in the regular season. His presence in the lineup is very important for Milwaukee. Portis averaged 15.3 points and 13.3 rebounds in three playoff games against the Pacers before Sunday.
