Patrick Beverley breaks silence after throwing the ball at Pacers fans as Stephen A. Smith slams 'indefensible' Bucks guard

Bucks star Patrick Beverley has vowed to 'be better' after he was twice spotted chucking a ball at Pacers fans during Milwaukee's NBA playoff defeat.

Beverley lost his temper and took his anger out on rival fans during the team's elimination from the playoffs Thursday night. 

The 35-year-old was seen chucking a ball towards the Pacers supporters behind the Bucks' bench, hitting a woman on the side of the head. 

He then demanded the ball back from another fan, only to immediately launching it once more.

He refused to answer a question about the incident after the game. But Beverley did address it on social media and initially defended his actions: 'We warned and asked for help all night,' he said about one fan's behavior.

But on Friday morning, the guard showed more contrition, writing on social media: 'I have to be better. And I will.' 

The Bucks were sent packing as the Indiana Pacers sealed their series win with a 120-98 Game 6 victory over the No 3 seed. 

With under three minutes remaining of the Bucks' season-ending defeat, Beverley's antics were captured on the TNT broadcast. 

The furious guard had to be held back by his teammates as the Pacers fans watched on in disbelief. 

Later, after he returned to the locker room to complete his media duties, Beverley stopped his response to one question to quiz ESPN reporter Malinda Adams. He bizarrely asked if she subscribed to his podcast. When she said no, he replied: 'You can't interview me then. No disrespect.'

As another reporter tried to ask Beverley a question, he told Adams to 'get that mic out of my face please.' 

Then, when Adams put it back towards him to get his answer, Beverley told her to 'get out of the circle please if you're not subscribed to my podcast. I appreciate it.'

Stephen A. Smith was among those to slam Beverley's antics on and off the court, with the ESPN analyst expecting a 'severe' punishment to follow.

'I just can't believe he did that. I've known Patrick Beverley for years. I love the brother. It's inexcusable. It's indefensible,' he said on First Take. 

'When he threw the ball into the stands, he didn't mean to throw it at the woman... but he should have never thrown it the first time. You don't do that.'

Smith said he has sympathy for players given the abuse they receive from the stands. But, the analyst said, 'that does not absolve you from exercising your professional decorum and obligation - to yourself, to the franchise you represent, the league you represent. You don't do that.'

He added:  It's an incredibly bad look. a suspension is forthcoming, there's no doubt about it... the punishment is forthcoming and I suspect a severe one.'