Darvin Ham's wife Deneitra Ham reacts in 5 words to Bucks coach's NBA Cup juggernaut
Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham achieved an outstanding feat on Tuesday when the team won the Emirates NBA Cup. He is the first coach to win the in-season tournament in back-to-back seasons and maintain an undefeated record in his title runs.
Last season, Ham was the head coach of the LA Lakers, who won the inaugural NBA Cup. Their run was perfect as the Purple and Gold did not lose a game until they secured the prize in Las Vegas. The same happened when Ham returned to the Bucks as an assistant in the 2024-25 NBA season.
After winning the Cup, Darvin Ham's wife, Deneitra, had a short but heartfelt reaction to her husband's latest achievement.
“We’re so blessed and thankful,” Deneitra Ham said.
The coach has a record of 14-0 in the tournament, following the Bucks' 97-81 victory over the OKC Thunder. Head coach Doc Rivers often called Ham the "good luck charm" throughout the tournament. The two-time NBA Cup winner reflected on his achievements after his recent success.
“It’s great for the league and me personally,” Ham said. “I’ve been super-duper excited to be a part of both. The inaugural and now this one. Two generational talents in both Bron [LeBron James] and Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. Lead one and ride shotgun for the other.”
Also read: Darvin Ham’s 2nd straight NBA Cup win has Lakers fans in shambles - “Means he’s getting swept in 1st round”
Darvin Ham reflects on being fired by the Lakers
For two seasons, Darvin Ham was the vocal coach of the Lakers. His coaching stint started in 2022 and ended abruptly in the 2024 offseason. During his time with the team, fans and the media often criticized his decisions. Ham was the scapegoat for the team at most times, which led to his firing after the 2023-24 NBA season.
After winning the NBA Cup for a second time, Ham revealed that he was "disappointed" with the Lakers's decision to move on from him.
"To do as well as I did, I swear to God, anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension with what I did," Ham said. "I’m not talking about feelings. I’m talking actual facts. They go from not making it to the playoffs to the final four in the NBA, the conference finals. And then you win the in-season tournament, navigate through all the injuries and win both of your play-in games to get to the playoffs."
Darvin Ham also reminded everyone how he and the Lakers were able to beat the odds in their first playoff run together. During the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Los Angeles made it to the Western Conference as a seventh-seed team. However, they were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals.
Also read: Darvin Ham strongly believes he deserved an extension after Lakers firing - “Not talking feelings, just facts”