By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Canceling Milwaukee’s watch party for Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals best-of-seven series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics was the result of three separate shootings following Game 6.
Per the Bucks press release: “The shootings that happened in downtown Milwaukee last night were horrific and we condemn this devastating violence. We are grateful to local law enforcement for its valiant efforts to try to contain what was a dangerous and fluid situation. While these incidents took place outside of Deer District property, it clearly resonated with fans coming out of the arena and leaving the plaza. Security, health and welfare are always our top priorities for our guests and employees and we appreciate the hard work of our security team to keep our fans safe.
In order to allow law enforcement to devote needed resources to the continued investigation of last night’s events, we have decided to cancel tomorrow’s planned watch party on the plaza. Deer District businesses will remain open as usual. We continue to work with the Milwaukee Police Department and other public safety partners to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our fans. We plan to have further details soon.”
The initial report surfaced one single incident and three injured people. However, 21 people were injured in three separate shootings occurring nearby Fiserv Forum at the conclusion of Game 6. Inside Fiserv Forum, the Bucks lost to the Celtics. Win-or-go-home Game 7 will be hosted in TD Garden tonight, Sunday.
Considering the importance of Game 7 and the huge following of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates in Milwaukee, the watch party would have drawn well north of 10,000 people. According to the team, 11,000 people attended the Game 6 watch party with the Bucks actually playing at home.