Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer was dealing with some serious personal tragedy during the first-round series vs. the Heat, Joe Vardon of The Athletic confirmed.
The death of one of Budenholzer’s three brothers was first mentioned by Lakers coach Darvin Ham, formerly Budenholzer’s top assistant with Milwaukee. Vardon confirmed the news through a Bucks spokesperson.
The Bucks, who finished 58-24 for the overall No. 1 seed in the NBA playoffs, were upset by the eighth-seeded Heat in five games.
“Coach Bud is going through a lot on a personal level,” Ham told reporters. “He just lost his brother, so, my apologies Bud if I wasn’t supposed to let anybody know. He and I’ve been texting. I love those guys.”
Through a team spokesperson, Budenholzer said that he “loves and respects” Ham and was comfortable confirming Ham’s comments, per Vardon.
Budenholzer, 53, is the youngest of seven children.
Hoops Wire sends our deepest condolences to Coach Budenholzer and the Bucks family.
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