The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a precarious situation regarding one Indiana Pacers fan. The incident in question that triggered this lawsuit happened a few years ago, however, the repercussions are being felt today.
Apr 30, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Two Indiana Pacers fans are taking the Milwaukee Bucks, former guard Patrick Beverley, and ex-assistant coach Josh Oppenheimer to court over a heated playoff incident from May 2024.
The lawsuit, stemming from Beverley’s on-camera ball-throwing outburst during Game 6 of the first-round series, has cleared hurdles and is now scheduled for trial on February 1, 2027, in Marion County Superior Court in Indiana.
The 2024 Playoff Incident That Sparked the Lawsuit
Apr 23, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee guard Patrick Beverley (21) is held back by guard Damian Lillard (0) during a rebound against the Indiana Pacers in the second half during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The altercation occurred late in Game 6 on May 2, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers eliminated the Bucks 120-98 to win the series 4-2. With under three minutes left and the Bucks trailing heavily, Beverley (frustrated after a fan interaction) grabbed a ball from a Pacers player and hurled it forcefully into the stands behind the Bucks’ bench, striking two female fans.
TNT cameras captured Beverley throwing the ball twice. The lawsuit claims the force was so intense it caused physical pain and broke one fan’s necklace. Additionally, it accuses Oppenheimer of verbally provoking and inciting fans, escalating tensions.
Beverley later addressed the incident on his podcast, apologizing but claiming the fans directed unprecedented insults at him. The NBA suspended him for four games at the start of the following season.
Details of the Pacers Fans’ Lawsuit
Plaintiffs Jessica Simmons and Katie Lanciotti filed the suit in February 2025, seeking compensatory and punitive damages for physical injuries, medical expenses, mental anguish, humiliation, lost wages, and property damage. The defendants include the Bucks organization (for vicarious liability), Beverley (for assault/battery), and Oppenheimer (for incitement).
The plaintiffs’ attorney argued Beverley’s post-incident comments further damaged their reputation. Beverley has maintained the fans provoked him severely.
Broader Implications for NBA Player-Fan Interactions
This lawsuit highlights growing scrutiny over player conduct toward fans, especially in high-stakes playoff environments. While fan heckling is common, physical responses like Beverley’s draw swift league punishment and potential civil liability. The outcome could set precedents for similar incidents, balancing player frustration with fan safety and rights.
For Pacers and Bucks supporters, the saga revives memories of a bitter rivalry series—now extending off the court.
References
FOX6 News Milwaukee – “Pacers fans’ lawsuit against Bucks, others scheduled for trial” (December 26, 2025)
Indianapolis Star – “Pacers fans sue Milwaukee Bucks, Patrick Beverley for playoff incident” (February 24, 2025)
Journal Sentinel – “Patrick Beverley, Bucks named in lawsuit by Pacers fans stemming from playoff altercation” (February 25, 2025)
USA Today – “Pacers fans file suit against Bucks, former player Patrick Beverley over altercation” (February 25, 2025)
Fox News – “Ex-Bucks guard hit with lawsuit from female fans after launching basketball at them” (2025 coverage)
Yahoo Sports – “Milwaukee Bucks file motion to dismiss Pacers fans’ lawsuit” (May 3, 2025)
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