Rapper Drake’ Antics Draw Attention Of Bucks Coach Mike Budenholzer In Game 4 Loss To Raptors [VIDEO]

by Collin HelwigMay 23, 2019, 4:03 pmDaily Digest, News >

While the NBA continues to bless its fans with endless entertainment and environments in which viewers can truly experience basketball as it’s played at the highest level, the league’s recent installment in the 2019 NBA playoffs brought up concerns regarding the level of involvement and impact fans should have on the game.

During Game Four of the Easter Conference Finals, all eyes not on the players seemed to find their way toward superstar rapper Drake, who drew attention with his antics. The Toronto native seemed to be sitting amongst Raptors players on the bench.

From start to finish, the four–time Grammy winner and “In My Feelings” singer rarely stayed seated, often trash-talking Bucks players and strolling up and down the court. At times, the Raptors super–fan could be spotted obnoxiously laughing amidst any Milwaukee turnovers, botched plays, or unfortunately for MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo, air–balled free throws. Drake even trotted up behind head coach Nick Nurse during one of the game’s most pivotal moments, patted him on the back in support and seemed to rub his shoulders.

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer felt affected by Drake’s presence perhaps the most. The coach made clear his displeasure for the rapper’s shenanigans as he stated after the game, “There’s certainly no place for fans and, you know, whatever it is exactly that Drake is for the Toronto Raptors. You know, to be on the court, there’s boundaries and lines for a reason.” Drake responded to the backlash through his Instagram story, as he quickly posted, “If you don’t want the opposing team to celebrate and dance, prevent them from scoring, winning, or achieving their objective. Get over it and keep moving.”

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The NBA stands no stranger to instances such as this. Just earlier this year, the Utah Jazz crowd, and one fan in particular, pushed the boundary between fans and the game, enticing former MVP Russell Westbrook, which eventually led to that fan’s banishment from all future Jazz games. During the 2004 NBA season, a massive fight involving players and fans broke out during a Pacers vs Pistons game, which would infamously later coin the name “the malice at the palace.”

Although Drake refrained from causing disruption to the level that former NBA fan interference episodes have in the past, his actions once again cause concern regarding the boundary between fans and the game. While Game Five tips off in Milwaukee, Drake will get another crack at the Bucks as the series will shift to Game Six in Toronto on Saturday.