MILWAUKEE — The Bucks fired coach Jason Kidd on Monday amid a midseason slide that has left the playoff hopeful in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
It was a surprising end to Kidd's three-plus season tenure in Milwaukee, when the Bucks made the playoffs twice. Giannis Antetokounmpo turned into an All-Star under his watch, and the Bucks were considered an emerging force in the East at the start of the season.
But the Bucks had lost four of five to fall to 23-22 before Monday night's 109-105 victory over the Suns, and they had been prone to defensive lapses, especially on the perimeter. Assistant coach Joe Prunty was serving as head coach.
General manager Jon Horst, who was promoted from director of basketball operations in June, said it was time for a change and the move was made with "unanimous support of ownership."
Under Kidd, the Bucks had a regular-season record of 139-152.
"We appreciate everything that Jason has done for the Bucks organization, but we have decided to make a coaching change," Horst said. "We believe that a fresh approach and a change in leadership are needed to continue elevating our talented team toward the next level, bringing us closer to our goal of competing for championships."
GAME HIGHLIGHTS: James Harden had 28 points and the host Rockets overcame a big early deficit to beat the Heat 99-90. Miami led by double digits before halftime, but the game stayed close through most of the second half. … Dennis Schroder scored 20, Taurean Prince added 17 and the host Hawks kept up their improving play with a 104-90 victory over the Jazz. … Kemba Walker had 26 points, Jeremy Lamb added 18 and the host Hornets bounced back from a tough loss to beat the Kings 112-107.