After their shocking first-round elimination by the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks decided it was in their best interest to fire head coach Mike Bodenholzer.
The 2022-23 Milwaukee Bucks were expected to make a deep run into the playoffs with the goal of winning their second NBA championship in three years. They were at an advantage, holding the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and facing the Miami Heat who had to play in two games in the tournament to clinch the #8 seed.
But, the Bucks were shocked in the first round, losing in five games in what may be the biggest upset in modern NBA history.
Over a week since the Bucks’ elimination, the team decided it was time to part ways with head coach Mike Budenolzer, firing him after five years with the team. He won the NBA title again in the 2020-21 season.
Let’s take a look at some of the reactions to the somewhat surprising news of Budenholzer’s departure at Milwaukee.
NBA Twitter reacts to Bucks firing coach Mike Budenholzer
In Game 5, there was criticism leveled at Budenholzer and his lack of modifications against the Heat. Not to mention, he didn’t call a timeout at the end of regulation after Miami star Jimmy Butler’s clutch basket. In overtime, the Bucks lost 128-126 after Grayson Allen attempted a Eurostep shot after the buzzer.
Prior to Game 4, Budenholzer figured it out One of his three brothers died tragically from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Although the season did not end the way the Bucks intended, they did experience winning seasons under Budenholzer. In his five years in Milwaukee, Budenholzer has a win-loss record of 271-120 in the regular season and a 39-26 record in the playoffs. As mentioned earlier, Budenholzer helped lead the Bucks to their first NBA title since 1971 after they defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games after overcoming a 0-2 deficit again in 2021.
With Budenholzer Out, Where Will Coins Head Next? Nick Nurse is one of the top names available after being released by the Toronto Raptors. but, As noted by Adrian Wojnarowski, a senior NBA insider at ESPNThe Bucks will take their time searching for a new head coach.