Milwaukee Bucks stun fans by axing head coach Adrian Griffin

The Milwaukee Bucks parted ways with head coach Adrian Griffin, leaving fans and the basketball community in shock. 

Despite the team's commendable second-place position in the Eastern Conference standings, Griffin faced an abrupt dismissal.

General manager Jon Horst, addressing the surprising decision, said, "This was a difficult decision to make during the season. We are working immediately toward hiring our next head coach. We thank Coach Griffin for his hard work and contributions to the team."

Griffin, 49, took the reins in June following the sudden removal of his predecessor, Mike Budenholzer, who faced termination after the Bucks' early exit from last season's playoffs. 

Horst, at the time of Griffin's appointment, praised his "championship-level coaching pedigree, character, basketball acumen, and ability to connect with players."

Despite the team's solid start to the season, boasting a 30-13 record with the second-best winning percentage in the league, Griffin's position became uncertain. His final game in charge was marked by a 122-113 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

Assistant coach Joe Prunty will step into the interim head coach role until a permanent successor is named. Rumours suggest that the Bucks have set their sights on former Philadelphia head coach Doc Rivers for the long-term position, according to multiple US media reports.