With the NBA Playoffs underway and the Milwaukee Bucks watching from home, that can only mean one thing to Bucks fans and general manager John Hammond – time to make the team better.
When the 2009-10 season kicks off in just over six months, the Bucks will already have two top-notch players on the floor who had no part in the team’s Playoff push this season; Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut. Redd missed the team’s last 36 games, while Bogut missed the final 32 games. Both are recovering from injuries, and are expected to make full recoveries in time for next season.
But while the Bucks may add two starters, they also face the reality of potentially losing two other starters this off-season in free agency. Ramon Sessions, who took over the starting point guard position in early February after Luke Ridnour broke his thumb, is a restricted free agent, and is certainly due a large raise from the two-year rookie contract he signed as a late-second round pick in 2007.
Additionally, Charlie Villanueva, who started 47 games at power forward and was third on the team in scoring (16.2 points per game), is also a restricted free agent.
With Redd and Richard Jefferson set to make a combined $31 million next season (which takes up over half of the team’s salary cap space), Bogut’s contract extension kicking in for $10 million, and bench players Dan Gadzuric and Charlie Bell on the books for a combined $10 million, the Bucks have very little financial flexibility to re-sign Sessions or Villanueva, much less be able to add other players through free agency.
Add in the fact that the NBA’s salary cap is expected to be lowered next season due to the poor economy, and it’s safe to say that Hammond finds himself in a tough situation.
Perhaps the answer to improving is through the NBA Draft. Fortunately, the Bucks won a tie-breaker over the New Jersey Nets (both teams finished 34-48) and now have the 10th best chance to win the number one overall pick, rather than the 11th. Unfortunately, that still means only having a one-percent chance of winning the Draft lottery, and ultimately, having the opportunity to draft Oklahoma sophomore sensation Blake Griffin. For comparison purposes, the Sacramento Kings (who had the worst record in the league) have a 25-percent chance of landing the number one pick.
If the Bucks don’t miraculously land one of the top three picks, they will draft somewhere between pick 10 and 13. The question is; could they find a difference-maker that late?
With the Bucks’ salary cap being maxed out, the answer then has to be to improve through trades. Of the Bucks top three paid players (Redd, Jefferson, Bogut), who is the most expendable? Of those three, who would other teams want to trade for? And would those teams be willing to give up anyone good to get them?
I believe that the answer lies in trading Michael Redd.
Redd has spent his entire career (nine seasons) in Milwaukee, and sometimes, change is good for everyone. Moving Redd could certainly rejuvenate him as a player, simply by the change of scenery. And for the Bucks, it would allow younger players such as Bogut (and perhaps Sessions if re-signed) to become the face of the franchise, and no longer rely on Redd to carry the team.
Since signing his max-contract with the Bucks in the summer of 2005, Redd has been expected to be the guy that takes Milwaukee to the next level. But as is usually the case in the NBA, pure outside shooters like Redd cannot be the best player on top-tier Playoff teams (ala Ray Allen’s lack of Playoff success in four-and-a-half seasons in Seattle as their best player, compared to his two highly-successful seasons in Boston as their third best player).
And if you believe that Redd is no longer the Bucks’ best player, then unless you envision this team making a deep Playoff run next season, why use nearly one-third of your salary cap space on him?
So should the Bucks trade Redd for nothing more than salary cap flexibility? What if trading Redd for little in return means having the money to be able to re-sign Sessions? If that option is presented to Hammond, I think that any non-Playoff team would prefer having a 23-year old point guard rather than a soon-to-be 30-year old shooting guard.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Bucks are on the right track
It’s easy for pessimists to say that the Milwaukee Bucks had another disappointing season, one which ended without a trip to the post-season. But unlike recent Bucks teams, where effort was questioned and an unproven head coach was at the helm, this year’s team clearly took a step in the right direction.
Two of the Bucks top players, Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut, each missed more than half of the team’s games this season. Redd played in only 33 of their 82 games, and has been out since January 24th when he tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee. Bogut was not on the court much more than that, playing in 36 games, missing the majority of the season with a lingering back problem.
And despite those major injuries, the Bucks still finished with eight more wins than last season, due in large part to new head coach Scott Skiles. They were also a legitimate Playoff contender up until the final three weeks of the season, when a stretch of going 4-16 put an end to any thoughts of post-season basketball in Milwaukee in 2009.
But with all things considered, the 2008-09 season was a success, starting with the acquisitions and roster moves of new general manager John Hammond last summer.
First, he turned the terrible contract of Bobby Simmons (had 2 years and $20 million left at the time of the trade) and the incredibly disappointing Yi Jianlian into proven veteran player Richard Jefferson. In terms of straight up talent-for-talent, the Bucks destroyed the New Jersey Nets in this trade. Luckily, Hammond was able to take advantage of a team that was looking to clear salary cap space for the summer of 2010 when LeBron James and other big-name players hit free agency.
And while Simmons continued to prove that he’s one of the worst contracts in the league (7.8 points per game in ’08-09, made $10 million) and Yi showed his second team in two years that he’s a lottery pick bust (8.6 ppg, 38% shooting in ’08-’09), Jefferson played all 82 games for an injury-plagued Milwaukee team, averaged just under 20 points per game, and was by all accounts, the steady presence that kept the Bucks afloat and in the Playoff race through the middle of March.
Additionally last summer, in a move that appeared to be more about team chemistry, Hammond also traded Mo Williams to the Cleveland Cavaliers, only to see Williams become a first-time All-Star this season. But in Milwaukee, Williams was expected to be a pass-first point guard in an offense filled with guys looking to get 15-20 shots each game (namely Redd and Charlie Villanueva), along with the Bucks desire to also get Bogut the ball more in the post. But in order for Williams to be most effective, he needs to be on a team where he can take plenty of shots, and playing alongside LeBron James in Cleveland was a perfect fit for him.
I do think, however, that the Bucks could have gotten more than Luke Ridnour, the expiring contract of Damon Jones, and Adrian Griffin (who ended up as an assistant coach, not a player) in exchange for Williams and Desmond Mason, so I can’t justify this as a good move. But it did get Williams’ contract (5 years, $43 million left at the time of the trade) off the books. Most felt that the Bucks (under previous general manager Larry Harris) overpaid Williams in the summer of 2007 to prevent him from signing with the Miami Heat.
In Hammond’s first NBA Draft as general manager of the Bucks, I think credit is due. While some consider Joe Alexander (Bucks’ 2008 1st round pick, 8th overall) a disappointment after one season in Milwaukee, more has to be considered before calling it a wasted first-round lottery pick. Sure, D.J. Augustin and Brook Lopez (overall picks 9 and 10 to the Charlotte Bobcats and New Jersey Nets, respectively) had better individual seasons than Alexander, but consider the positions that those two play. Augustin is a point guard, and Lopez is a center, and we had young guys at both positions already in Ramon Sessions and Bogut. Plus, with Alexander’s athleticism, he certainly has a chance to live up to his billing as a top ten pick.
But even if you can’t find a positive in using an 8th overall pick on Alexander, there is no denying that the Bucks came away with one of the two steals in the second round, drafting Luc Richard Mbah a Moute with the 37th overall pick (the other being Mario Chalmers 34th overall to Miami). Mbah a Moute had an outstanding rookie season, defending the other teams’ best perimeter player every game, and showing his versatility by starting 51 games this season at two vastly different positions, shooting guard and power forward.
With Hammond’s second off-season approaching as general manager in Milwaukee, Bucks’ fans should be confident that this team is heading in the right direction for the first time in several years.
Next week I’ll be talking about how the Bucks can improve this summer through free agency, trades, and the draft.
Two of the Bucks top players, Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut, each missed more than half of the team’s games this season. Redd played in only 33 of their 82 games, and has been out since January 24th when he tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee. Bogut was not on the court much more than that, playing in 36 games, missing the majority of the season with a lingering back problem.
And despite those major injuries, the Bucks still finished with eight more wins than last season, due in large part to new head coach Scott Skiles. They were also a legitimate Playoff contender up until the final three weeks of the season, when a stretch of going 4-16 put an end to any thoughts of post-season basketball in Milwaukee in 2009.
But with all things considered, the 2008-09 season was a success, starting with the acquisitions and roster moves of new general manager John Hammond last summer.
First, he turned the terrible contract of Bobby Simmons (had 2 years and $20 million left at the time of the trade) and the incredibly disappointing Yi Jianlian into proven veteran player Richard Jefferson. In terms of straight up talent-for-talent, the Bucks destroyed the New Jersey Nets in this trade. Luckily, Hammond was able to take advantage of a team that was looking to clear salary cap space for the summer of 2010 when LeBron James and other big-name players hit free agency.
And while Simmons continued to prove that he’s one of the worst contracts in the league (7.8 points per game in ’08-09, made $10 million) and Yi showed his second team in two years that he’s a lottery pick bust (8.6 ppg, 38% shooting in ’08-’09), Jefferson played all 82 games for an injury-plagued Milwaukee team, averaged just under 20 points per game, and was by all accounts, the steady presence that kept the Bucks afloat and in the Playoff race through the middle of March.
Additionally last summer, in a move that appeared to be more about team chemistry, Hammond also traded Mo Williams to the Cleveland Cavaliers, only to see Williams become a first-time All-Star this season. But in Milwaukee, Williams was expected to be a pass-first point guard in an offense filled with guys looking to get 15-20 shots each game (namely Redd and Charlie Villanueva), along with the Bucks desire to also get Bogut the ball more in the post. But in order for Williams to be most effective, he needs to be on a team where he can take plenty of shots, and playing alongside LeBron James in Cleveland was a perfect fit for him.
I do think, however, that the Bucks could have gotten more than Luke Ridnour, the expiring contract of Damon Jones, and Adrian Griffin (who ended up as an assistant coach, not a player) in exchange for Williams and Desmond Mason, so I can’t justify this as a good move. But it did get Williams’ contract (5 years, $43 million left at the time of the trade) off the books. Most felt that the Bucks (under previous general manager Larry Harris) overpaid Williams in the summer of 2007 to prevent him from signing with the Miami Heat.
In Hammond’s first NBA Draft as general manager of the Bucks, I think credit is due. While some consider Joe Alexander (Bucks’ 2008 1st round pick, 8th overall) a disappointment after one season in Milwaukee, more has to be considered before calling it a wasted first-round lottery pick. Sure, D.J. Augustin and Brook Lopez (overall picks 9 and 10 to the Charlotte Bobcats and New Jersey Nets, respectively) had better individual seasons than Alexander, but consider the positions that those two play. Augustin is a point guard, and Lopez is a center, and we had young guys at both positions already in Ramon Sessions and Bogut. Plus, with Alexander’s athleticism, he certainly has a chance to live up to his billing as a top ten pick.
But even if you can’t find a positive in using an 8th overall pick on Alexander, there is no denying that the Bucks came away with one of the two steals in the second round, drafting Luc Richard Mbah a Moute with the 37th overall pick (the other being Mario Chalmers 34th overall to Miami). Mbah a Moute had an outstanding rookie season, defending the other teams’ best perimeter player every game, and showing his versatility by starting 51 games this season at two vastly different positions, shooting guard and power forward.
With Hammond’s second off-season approaching as general manager in Milwaukee, Bucks’ fans should be confident that this team is heading in the right direction for the first time in several years.
Next week I’ll be talking about how the Bucks can improve this summer through free agency, trades, and the draft.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
New starting line-up pays off as Bucks defeat Oklahoma City
MILWAUKEE -- After losing four games in a row and nine of their last 10, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to end the season on a high note. On Saturday night they completed step one of that goal by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-98.
Looking to shake things up, Bucks coach Scott Skiles put together a new starting line-up. He had both of his point guards, Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour, starting together in the backcourt. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute also got the nod, starting in place of Charlie Villanueva at power forward.
“We had to change something,” Skiles said. “I probably waited too long. I was probably a little bit too patient with the other (starting line-up), based on the fact that we went 4-16 in our last 20 games coming into tonight. We’ll go the same way on Monday and see what happens.”
Villanueva, who has started 47 games this season, seems to be taking his new assignment in stride.
“I knew since yesterday’s practice (that I was not going to start),” Villanueva said. “I’m actually fine with it. (Coach wanted) to get the second unit going, and have a scorer out there, and that’s what I’m going to bring for the next game if I come off the bench.”
And at least for one game, it worked.
Richard Jefferson scored 12 of Milwaukee’s 22 first quarter points, connecting on five of his eight shots, including 2-3 from three-point range.
Villanueva came off the bench and provided a powerful scoring punch, scoring 10 points in the second quarter and playing all 12 minutes.
Milwaukee carried a five point lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Bucks were aware that the third quarter had been an issue for them recently.
Tonight, however, was another story. Milwaukee opened the second half on an 11-2 run, seven of those points coming from Jefferson.
Oklahoma City responded with a 6-0 run, with Jeff Green and Kevin Durant hitting back-to-back three’s.
But the Bucks picked up where they left off, outscoring the Thunder 37-21 in the third quarter, and assisting on 11 of their 13 made field goals.
“That (the third quarter) was the biggest key to the game,” Skiles said. “It was important we came out and imposed our will, and we did. We took control of the game there and never let them back in it.”
Sessions knew his team needed to start performing better coming out of the halftime break.
“It’s been a while since we got off to a great start like that (in the second half),” Sessions said. “I feel like that was the key to the game. We got out to a nice little run and was able to maintain it.”
Sessions finished one assist shy of another double-double, scoring 10 points and dishing nine assists.
Jefferson was one rebound away from a double-double of his own. He had a game-high 35 points, tying his season-high, to go along with nine rebounds and four assists.
Back in the starting line-up, Ridnour didn’t miss a shot, hitting all eight of his field goal attempts, finishing with 18 points and eight assists.
Villanueva also put up strong numbers in his new role, with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
The win also guarantees Milwaukee a winning record at home, improving the team to 21-19 this season at the Bradley Center.
The NBA’s fourth-leading scorer Kevin Durant only had three points in the first quarter for Oklahoma City, but scored six in the opening minutes of the second, and had 16 entering halftime.
But with the Thunder down 21 heading into the fourth, Durant sat out the final quarter, and finished with 19 points, six under his season average.
Shaun Livingston, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 Draft, played in his sixth game with Oklahoma City after being signed on March 31. Livingston tore three ligaments in his left knee in February 2007, and has been attempting to come back ever since. Wearing a large knee brace, the 23-year old point guard played 25 minutes, and was a perfect 7-7 from the floor, scoring 14 points.
“He says that he feels like he’s 90-percent fully healed,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Livingston before the game. “With him not playing in roughly two years it’s going to take some time to get the rust off of his game, and I see that happening.”
Saturday was also a homecoming for Oklahoma City’s rookie shooting guard Kyle Weaver. Starting in place of injured Thabo Sefolosha, the Beloit native had 12 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. He scored seven of the Thunder’s final nine points.
“It feels almost like a high school game,” Weaver said, who estimated that there were “a couple hundred” friends, family, and fans in attendance. He added, “Hopefully I don’t miss the bus.”
The Bucks have two games left on the schedule, including their home finale on Monday against the Orlando Magic. When the two teams squared off less than one month ago at the Bradley Center, Orlando dismantled Milwaukee 106-80. The Bucks then close out their season on Wednesday night in Indiana against the Pacers.
Looking to shake things up, Bucks coach Scott Skiles put together a new starting line-up. He had both of his point guards, Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour, starting together in the backcourt. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute also got the nod, starting in place of Charlie Villanueva at power forward.
“We had to change something,” Skiles said. “I probably waited too long. I was probably a little bit too patient with the other (starting line-up), based on the fact that we went 4-16 in our last 20 games coming into tonight. We’ll go the same way on Monday and see what happens.”
Villanueva, who has started 47 games this season, seems to be taking his new assignment in stride.
“I knew since yesterday’s practice (that I was not going to start),” Villanueva said. “I’m actually fine with it. (Coach wanted) to get the second unit going, and have a scorer out there, and that’s what I’m going to bring for the next game if I come off the bench.”
And at least for one game, it worked.
Richard Jefferson scored 12 of Milwaukee’s 22 first quarter points, connecting on five of his eight shots, including 2-3 from three-point range.
Villanueva came off the bench and provided a powerful scoring punch, scoring 10 points in the second quarter and playing all 12 minutes.
Milwaukee carried a five point lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Bucks were aware that the third quarter had been an issue for them recently.
Tonight, however, was another story. Milwaukee opened the second half on an 11-2 run, seven of those points coming from Jefferson.
Oklahoma City responded with a 6-0 run, with Jeff Green and Kevin Durant hitting back-to-back three’s.
But the Bucks picked up where they left off, outscoring the Thunder 37-21 in the third quarter, and assisting on 11 of their 13 made field goals.
“That (the third quarter) was the biggest key to the game,” Skiles said. “It was important we came out and imposed our will, and we did. We took control of the game there and never let them back in it.”
Sessions knew his team needed to start performing better coming out of the halftime break.
“It’s been a while since we got off to a great start like that (in the second half),” Sessions said. “I feel like that was the key to the game. We got out to a nice little run and was able to maintain it.”
Sessions finished one assist shy of another double-double, scoring 10 points and dishing nine assists.
Jefferson was one rebound away from a double-double of his own. He had a game-high 35 points, tying his season-high, to go along with nine rebounds and four assists.
Back in the starting line-up, Ridnour didn’t miss a shot, hitting all eight of his field goal attempts, finishing with 18 points and eight assists.
Villanueva also put up strong numbers in his new role, with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
The win also guarantees Milwaukee a winning record at home, improving the team to 21-19 this season at the Bradley Center.
The NBA’s fourth-leading scorer Kevin Durant only had three points in the first quarter for Oklahoma City, but scored six in the opening minutes of the second, and had 16 entering halftime.
But with the Thunder down 21 heading into the fourth, Durant sat out the final quarter, and finished with 19 points, six under his season average.
Shaun Livingston, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 Draft, played in his sixth game with Oklahoma City after being signed on March 31. Livingston tore three ligaments in his left knee in February 2007, and has been attempting to come back ever since. Wearing a large knee brace, the 23-year old point guard played 25 minutes, and was a perfect 7-7 from the floor, scoring 14 points.
“He says that he feels like he’s 90-percent fully healed,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Livingston before the game. “With him not playing in roughly two years it’s going to take some time to get the rust off of his game, and I see that happening.”
Saturday was also a homecoming for Oklahoma City’s rookie shooting guard Kyle Weaver. Starting in place of injured Thabo Sefolosha, the Beloit native had 12 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. He scored seven of the Thunder’s final nine points.
“It feels almost like a high school game,” Weaver said, who estimated that there were “a couple hundred” friends, family, and fans in attendance. He added, “Hopefully I don’t miss the bus.”
The Bucks have two games left on the schedule, including their home finale on Monday against the Orlando Magic. When the two teams squared off less than one month ago at the Bradley Center, Orlando dismantled Milwaukee 106-80. The Bucks then close out their season on Wednesday night in Indiana against the Pacers.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Grizzlies outscore Milwaukee by 20 in second quarter en route to win
MILWAUKEE -- With a 107-102 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, the Milwaukee Bucks are one step closer to being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Milwaukee carried a four-point lead into the second quarter, but a 20-6 Memphis run to begin the next period jump-started the Grizzlies. They shot 10-15 from the field in the quarter, outscoring the Bucks 38-18 in the second, and led the rest of the way.
The Bucks made it interesting in the closing minutes, cutting a 10-point Memphis lead with less than two minutes down to three, but after a strong defensive stand and an opportunity to tie the game, Charlie Bell shot an air-ball from the corner, allowing O.J. Mayo to seal it for the Grizzlies from the free throw line.
“We didn’t come ready to play,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “Our defense was poor. They had the most energy and they deserved to win.”
Bucks guard Charlie Bell agreed.
“We had no life,” Bell said. “No energy. They came out and pretty much did what they wanted to do.”
Milwaukee was out-rebounded 41-28, and also shot 13 fewer free throws than Memphis.
The Bucks were led offensively by Richard Jefferson with 24 points. Charlie Bell added 23 points, connecting on 5-8 from beyond the arc.
Ramon Sessions followed up his triple-double against the Lakers with a double-double, scoring 16 points and dishing 11 assists.
Milwaukee was in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff standings at the beginning of March, but have only won three of their last 16 games. They are now five games back of the eighth-place Detroit Pistons with only four games left, and are on the verge of officially spending another post-season watching from home.
“The beginning of March we were right there,” Bell said. “We had a nice feeling. We thought we could make a run. March just fell apart on the defensive end. Offensively we just hit a rut. We’ve got to do a better job finishing out these games and get some wins.”
Despite Memphis having the fifth worst record in the league, they have now won four straight games.
“The confidence level is really high right now,” Grizzlies rookie O.J. Mayo said. “It’s something we can carry into next year to show people what we are capable of doing.”
Mayo, who will receive strong consideration for Rookie of the Year, had 0 points at halftime on 0-4 shooting. He finished with 12 points and seven assists.
Another Memphis rookie, Marc Gasol, recorded his 17th double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He was 11-14 from the free throw line, a career-high in both makes and attempts.
“It’s huge having a guy that draws so much attention down low like Marc (Gasol),” Grizzlies second-year guard Mike Conley said.
Conley had a team-high nine assists to go along with 17 points and six rebounds.
Rudy Gay poured in a game-high 26 points, 12 of which came in the Grizzlies’ commanding second quarter.
Earlier in the day, the Bucks officially announced that Andrew Bogut would not return this season as he continues to rest a lingering back injury. Bogut has missed over half of the team’s games this year, averaging 11.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in 36 games.
Milwaukee also signed three-point shooting specialist Salim Stoudamire to a multi-year contract last night. Stoudamire was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the first pick of the second round (31st overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft, but has not played this season. He was not in uniform for tonight’s game.
With only four regular season games remaining, the Bucks have three days off before hosting the Atlanta Hawks at the Bradley Center on Wednesday night. Atlanta is currently fourth in the East, and will more than likely host either the Philadelphia 76ers or Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Milwaukee carried a four-point lead into the second quarter, but a 20-6 Memphis run to begin the next period jump-started the Grizzlies. They shot 10-15 from the field in the quarter, outscoring the Bucks 38-18 in the second, and led the rest of the way.
The Bucks made it interesting in the closing minutes, cutting a 10-point Memphis lead with less than two minutes down to three, but after a strong defensive stand and an opportunity to tie the game, Charlie Bell shot an air-ball from the corner, allowing O.J. Mayo to seal it for the Grizzlies from the free throw line.
“We didn’t come ready to play,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “Our defense was poor. They had the most energy and they deserved to win.”
Bucks guard Charlie Bell agreed.
“We had no life,” Bell said. “No energy. They came out and pretty much did what they wanted to do.”
Milwaukee was out-rebounded 41-28, and also shot 13 fewer free throws than Memphis.
The Bucks were led offensively by Richard Jefferson with 24 points. Charlie Bell added 23 points, connecting on 5-8 from beyond the arc.
Ramon Sessions followed up his triple-double against the Lakers with a double-double, scoring 16 points and dishing 11 assists.
Milwaukee was in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff standings at the beginning of March, but have only won three of their last 16 games. They are now five games back of the eighth-place Detroit Pistons with only four games left, and are on the verge of officially spending another post-season watching from home.
“The beginning of March we were right there,” Bell said. “We had a nice feeling. We thought we could make a run. March just fell apart on the defensive end. Offensively we just hit a rut. We’ve got to do a better job finishing out these games and get some wins.”
Despite Memphis having the fifth worst record in the league, they have now won four straight games.
“The confidence level is really high right now,” Grizzlies rookie O.J. Mayo said. “It’s something we can carry into next year to show people what we are capable of doing.”
Mayo, who will receive strong consideration for Rookie of the Year, had 0 points at halftime on 0-4 shooting. He finished with 12 points and seven assists.
Another Memphis rookie, Marc Gasol, recorded his 17th double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He was 11-14 from the free throw line, a career-high in both makes and attempts.
“It’s huge having a guy that draws so much attention down low like Marc (Gasol),” Grizzlies second-year guard Mike Conley said.
Conley had a team-high nine assists to go along with 17 points and six rebounds.
Rudy Gay poured in a game-high 26 points, 12 of which came in the Grizzlies’ commanding second quarter.
Earlier in the day, the Bucks officially announced that Andrew Bogut would not return this season as he continues to rest a lingering back injury. Bogut has missed over half of the team’s games this year, averaging 11.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in 36 games.
Milwaukee also signed three-point shooting specialist Salim Stoudamire to a multi-year contract last night. Stoudamire was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the first pick of the second round (31st overall) in the 2005 NBA Draft, but has not played this season. He was not in uniform for tonight’s game.
With only four regular season games remaining, the Bucks have three days off before hosting the Atlanta Hawks at the Bradley Center on Wednesday night. Atlanta is currently fourth in the East, and will more than likely host either the Philadelphia 76ers or Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Blazers open second half on 14-3 run to help defeat the Bucks
MILWAUKEE – The Portland Trail Blazers kicked off the second half on a 14-3 scoring run and led the rest of the way, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 96-84 on Saturday night at the Bradley Center.
It was a tale of two halves for the Bucks, as Milwaukee jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, and led the entire first half. But Portland countered with a 9-0 run of their own to start the second half, outscoring the Bucks 30-17 in the third quarter.
“First half we had some defensive sequences that were as good as we’ve had all year,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “And then we started the third quarter flat. They picked up their level of intensity. We seemed like we wanted to ease our way into the quarter. Our defense broke down and, as so often happens when you come out like that, you can’t get it back.”
Milwaukee shot nearly 45 percent in the first half, but the third quarter proved to be their demise. The Bucks shot only 25 percent in the third on 5-20 shooting, turned the ball over six times, and were out-rebounded 14-7.
Blazers guard Steve Blake scored 12 of his 21 in the third quarter. He also tied his season-high with six three-pointers in the game, three of which came in the third quarter.
“For whatever reason, and we’ve done this a bunch of times this year, we come out to start the half and don’t have much,” Skiles said. “In the third quarter, we were very casual, very careless. It’s very difficult then once the momentum starts going to get it back.”
Frustration began to boil over for Milwaukee in the second half, as both Keith Bogans and Scott Skiles were issued technical fouls for arguing with the officials.
Portland head coach Nate McMillan sensed the momentum shifting to his team.
“They turned the ball over five times in the third quarter early, and we scored off of that,” McMillan said after the game. “We kept our heads with the physical play. We played through it and we executed, and we had a 30-point quarter.”
Charlie Villanueva scored 20 of his team-high 26 points in the second half, and also led the Bucks with nine rebounds.
Richard Jefferson added 16 points for Milwaukee, but was disappointed with his play.
“I haven’t played as well as I would’ve liked in the second half,” Jefferson said. “I have to play better down the stretch, and I haven’t done that the past few games.”
Jefferson added, “We didn’t come out and play the way we needed to. Steve Blake hit some big shots. I think they kinda took the momentum going into the second half and just carried it over.”
Portland’s two-time All-Star Brandon Roy had a game-high 30 points, and also contributed eight rebounds and a team-high seven assists.
“He (Roy) is a very good player,” Bucks rookie Luc Richard Mbah a Moute said, who guarded Roy most of the game. “We put a lot of pressure on him, but he made tough shots. He just had a good night tonight.”
Portland coach Nate McMillan said, “In the first half, he (Roy) could not hit a shot and I told him to stay with it. We need him to play well, and he stayed with it. He was able to get one to go, got his confidence, and started to open up that floor.”
Starting in place of former number one overall pick Greg Oden, former Buck Joel Przybilla had a game-high 14 rebounds.
Oden appeared in his third game back tonight after injuring his left knee in February. Coming off the bench, he scored two points and grabbed three rebounds, but also had four turnovers and five fouls in just over nine minutes on the floor.
With the loss, the Bucks concluded their season-long six-game home stand with a 2-4 record, but Richard Jefferson didn’t sound too discouraged.
“Look at the home stand, look at the people that we played against,” Jefferson said. “We played against some quality teams. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked. Just because we didn’t get it done tonight, I still think that we have positive things that we’ve done here.”
Milwaukee drops to 31-40 on the season with 11 games to go, but did not lose any ground in their attempt to re-claim the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, as Chicago and Charlotte also each lost. The Bucks remain one and a half games back of Chicago for the final spot in the East, and now head on a four-game road trip to Toronto, Orlando, Miami, and New Jersey. The team has three full days of rest before the game in Toronto on Wednesday night.
It was a tale of two halves for the Bucks, as Milwaukee jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, and led the entire first half. But Portland countered with a 9-0 run of their own to start the second half, outscoring the Bucks 30-17 in the third quarter.
“First half we had some defensive sequences that were as good as we’ve had all year,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “And then we started the third quarter flat. They picked up their level of intensity. We seemed like we wanted to ease our way into the quarter. Our defense broke down and, as so often happens when you come out like that, you can’t get it back.”
Milwaukee shot nearly 45 percent in the first half, but the third quarter proved to be their demise. The Bucks shot only 25 percent in the third on 5-20 shooting, turned the ball over six times, and were out-rebounded 14-7.
Blazers guard Steve Blake scored 12 of his 21 in the third quarter. He also tied his season-high with six three-pointers in the game, three of which came in the third quarter.
“For whatever reason, and we’ve done this a bunch of times this year, we come out to start the half and don’t have much,” Skiles said. “In the third quarter, we were very casual, very careless. It’s very difficult then once the momentum starts going to get it back.”
Frustration began to boil over for Milwaukee in the second half, as both Keith Bogans and Scott Skiles were issued technical fouls for arguing with the officials.
Portland head coach Nate McMillan sensed the momentum shifting to his team.
“They turned the ball over five times in the third quarter early, and we scored off of that,” McMillan said after the game. “We kept our heads with the physical play. We played through it and we executed, and we had a 30-point quarter.”
Charlie Villanueva scored 20 of his team-high 26 points in the second half, and also led the Bucks with nine rebounds.
Richard Jefferson added 16 points for Milwaukee, but was disappointed with his play.
“I haven’t played as well as I would’ve liked in the second half,” Jefferson said. “I have to play better down the stretch, and I haven’t done that the past few games.”
Jefferson added, “We didn’t come out and play the way we needed to. Steve Blake hit some big shots. I think they kinda took the momentum going into the second half and just carried it over.”
Portland’s two-time All-Star Brandon Roy had a game-high 30 points, and also contributed eight rebounds and a team-high seven assists.
“He (Roy) is a very good player,” Bucks rookie Luc Richard Mbah a Moute said, who guarded Roy most of the game. “We put a lot of pressure on him, but he made tough shots. He just had a good night tonight.”
Portland coach Nate McMillan said, “In the first half, he (Roy) could not hit a shot and I told him to stay with it. We need him to play well, and he stayed with it. He was able to get one to go, got his confidence, and started to open up that floor.”
Starting in place of former number one overall pick Greg Oden, former Buck Joel Przybilla had a game-high 14 rebounds.
Oden appeared in his third game back tonight after injuring his left knee in February. Coming off the bench, he scored two points and grabbed three rebounds, but also had four turnovers and five fouls in just over nine minutes on the floor.
With the loss, the Bucks concluded their season-long six-game home stand with a 2-4 record, but Richard Jefferson didn’t sound too discouraged.
“Look at the home stand, look at the people that we played against,” Jefferson said. “We played against some quality teams. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked. Just because we didn’t get it done tonight, I still think that we have positive things that we’ve done here.”
Milwaukee drops to 31-40 on the season with 11 games to go, but did not lose any ground in their attempt to re-claim the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, as Chicago and Charlotte also each lost. The Bucks remain one and a half games back of Chicago for the final spot in the East, and now head on a four-game road trip to Toronto, Orlando, Miami, and New Jersey. The team has three full days of rest before the game in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Dwight Howard scores 18 in the first quarter as Magic rout Bucks
MILWAUKEE – The Orlando Magic led by 16 after the first quarter and by 30 at halftime, cruising to a 106-80 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night at the Bradley Center.
Orlando finished the first quarter on a 24-7 run, led by Dwight Howard who scored the final 10 points during that stretch. Howard already had 18 points and six rebounds at the end of the first quarter.
“We really didn’t compete at all,” Bucks Coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “We weren’t anywhere near ready and that’s my responsibility.”
Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva added, “The way we played today wasn’t acceptable at all. We came out flat from the start of the game. They’re a very good ballclub and you dig yourself a hole like that and it’s very tough to come out of it.”
Villanueva led the Bucks with 17 points, but along with the rest of the starters, did not play at all in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee entered tonight’s game coming off a huge win over the defending champion Boston Celtics on Sunday, but Coach Skiles noticed a pattern from his team following wins this season.
“This year a little bit what we’ve done is followed up a big win with a celebratory attitude and sometimes it’s spilled over into the next game,” Skiles said in his post-game press conference. “We had tremendous difficulty yesterday in practice getting any focus and it carried over into tonight.”
The loss by the Bucks, accompanied by back-to-back wins by the Chicago Bulls, has placed Milwaukee a game and a half behind Chicago for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. And with 12 games remaining on the schedule, the Bucks will face Orlando another two times as the team vies for the post-season.
“We’re still on a mission,” Villanueva said. “Still trying to accomplish, trying to go to the playoffs. We’ll remember this loss, and whenever we play them (Orlando) again, we’ll try to come out and have a chip on our shoulder.”
Richard Jefferson scored 13, and Dan Gadzuric and Luke Ridnour each added 10 points off the bench. Ramon Sessions had a team-high seven rebounds and five assists.
Dwight Howard had a game-high 28 points and 12 rebounds en route to his 53rd double-double of the season. Howard ranks second in the league in double-double’s, and is now only one behind New York’s David Lee.
Hedo Turkoglu added 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists for the Magic. Rashard Lewis and rookie Courtney Lee also each chipped in 13 points.
Orlando improves to 50-18 on the season, and is now only a half-game back of the Boston Celtics for the second seed in the East.
Milwaukee drops to 31-39 overall, and to 2-3 on its current season-long six-game home stand. The team has the next two days off before hosting the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday night to close out the home stand.
Orlando finished the first quarter on a 24-7 run, led by Dwight Howard who scored the final 10 points during that stretch. Howard already had 18 points and six rebounds at the end of the first quarter.
“We really didn’t compete at all,” Bucks Coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “We weren’t anywhere near ready and that’s my responsibility.”
Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva added, “The way we played today wasn’t acceptable at all. We came out flat from the start of the game. They’re a very good ballclub and you dig yourself a hole like that and it’s very tough to come out of it.”
Villanueva led the Bucks with 17 points, but along with the rest of the starters, did not play at all in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee entered tonight’s game coming off a huge win over the defending champion Boston Celtics on Sunday, but Coach Skiles noticed a pattern from his team following wins this season.
“This year a little bit what we’ve done is followed up a big win with a celebratory attitude and sometimes it’s spilled over into the next game,” Skiles said in his post-game press conference. “We had tremendous difficulty yesterday in practice getting any focus and it carried over into tonight.”
The loss by the Bucks, accompanied by back-to-back wins by the Chicago Bulls, has placed Milwaukee a game and a half behind Chicago for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. And with 12 games remaining on the schedule, the Bucks will face Orlando another two times as the team vies for the post-season.
“We’re still on a mission,” Villanueva said. “Still trying to accomplish, trying to go to the playoffs. We’ll remember this loss, and whenever we play them (Orlando) again, we’ll try to come out and have a chip on our shoulder.”
Richard Jefferson scored 13, and Dan Gadzuric and Luke Ridnour each added 10 points off the bench. Ramon Sessions had a team-high seven rebounds and five assists.
Dwight Howard had a game-high 28 points and 12 rebounds en route to his 53rd double-double of the season. Howard ranks second in the league in double-double’s, and is now only one behind New York’s David Lee.
Hedo Turkoglu added 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists for the Magic. Rashard Lewis and rookie Courtney Lee also each chipped in 13 points.
Orlando improves to 50-18 on the season, and is now only a half-game back of the Boston Celtics for the second seed in the East.
Milwaukee drops to 31-39 overall, and to 2-3 on its current season-long six-game home stand. The team has the next two days off before hosting the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday night to close out the home stand.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bucks overcome shooting woes to knock off the defending champs
MILWAUKEE – Despite shooting under 33 percent, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the defending champion Boston Celtics 86-77 on Sunday afternoon at the Bradley Center.
Milwaukee forced the Celtics into 25 turnovers, which is the most that Boston has given up all season.
“I felt like it was one of our better defensive games,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “It’s not too often, if ever, you shoot a little over 30 percent and win the game. It’s not unusual to have a poor shooting night against them (Boston), so you just gotta try to grind it out, and we did a good job of that.”
The Bucks had a four point lead with under a minute remaining in the game. But on Milwaukee’s next possession, Boston’s Rajon Rondo came up with a near-steal that was deflected to Charlie Bell with one second remaining on the shot clock. Bell threw it up at the hoop and sank it, sealing the win for Milwaukee.
“That shot was kind of like a prayer,” Bell said after the game. “I knew the shot-clock was running down so I just turned and heaved it at the rim. Sometimes those are the best type of shots when you’re not thinking about it.”
Not only was Bell’s shot the game-clincher, it was also his first made basket all night. Up until that point, he had been held to 0-5 from the floor.
“Charlie Bell made a tremendous shot,” Charlie Villanueva said. Laughing, he added “I think that was his only one.”
Villanueva scored 11 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, despite fouling out with over four minutes to go.
Richard Jefferson chipped in with 17 points, and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute scored 15 points to go along with seven rebounds.
Keith Bogans came off the bench and tied his career-high with 12 rebounds.
“I thought Keith Bogans gave us a big lift again,” Skiles said. “He came in with that tough defense and rebounded better than most of our bigs tonight.”
The Bucks came into the game having lost five of its last six, and nine of its last twelve. The team had also fallen out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture following Chicago’s win last night. But the win over Boston has Milwaukee back in the eighth spot by the smallest margin possible. Chicago’s winning percentage is .448, with the Bucks now at .449.
Kendrick Perkins, who scored a career-high 26 points and also grabbed a career-high nine offensive rebounds, said “They (Milwaukee) played like they were desperate. Obviously they’re trying to make the playoffs, so they out-scrapped us in every way. Their defensive intensity was great.”
Boston was missing one of its three All-Stars, as Kevin Garnett missed his eleventh consecutive game with a muscle strain in his right knee.
The other two Celtics All-Stars, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, combined to shoot 6-26, only scoring 23 points.
“Defensively they were solid,” Allen said after the game. “But I think that we made it tough on ourselves. We had a lot of unforced turnovers. A lot of times we tried to make the home-run play instead of just making the simple pass.”
Starting in place of Garnett, Leon Powe picked up his fifth foul with 5:34 remaining in the third quarter. And before Coach Doc Rivers could bring in a sub, Powe picked up his sixth and had fouled out of the game.
Milwaukee is now 2-2 on its current season-long six-game home stand, and improved to 20-14 overall this season at home. The team has the next two days off before a Wednesday night match-up against the Southeast Division leading Orlando Magic.
Milwaukee forced the Celtics into 25 turnovers, which is the most that Boston has given up all season.
“I felt like it was one of our better defensive games,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “It’s not too often, if ever, you shoot a little over 30 percent and win the game. It’s not unusual to have a poor shooting night against them (Boston), so you just gotta try to grind it out, and we did a good job of that.”
The Bucks had a four point lead with under a minute remaining in the game. But on Milwaukee’s next possession, Boston’s Rajon Rondo came up with a near-steal that was deflected to Charlie Bell with one second remaining on the shot clock. Bell threw it up at the hoop and sank it, sealing the win for Milwaukee.
“That shot was kind of like a prayer,” Bell said after the game. “I knew the shot-clock was running down so I just turned and heaved it at the rim. Sometimes those are the best type of shots when you’re not thinking about it.”
Not only was Bell’s shot the game-clincher, it was also his first made basket all night. Up until that point, he had been held to 0-5 from the floor.
“Charlie Bell made a tremendous shot,” Charlie Villanueva said. Laughing, he added “I think that was his only one.”
Villanueva scored 11 of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, despite fouling out with over four minutes to go.
Richard Jefferson chipped in with 17 points, and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute scored 15 points to go along with seven rebounds.
Keith Bogans came off the bench and tied his career-high with 12 rebounds.
“I thought Keith Bogans gave us a big lift again,” Skiles said. “He came in with that tough defense and rebounded better than most of our bigs tonight.”
The Bucks came into the game having lost five of its last six, and nine of its last twelve. The team had also fallen out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture following Chicago’s win last night. But the win over Boston has Milwaukee back in the eighth spot by the smallest margin possible. Chicago’s winning percentage is .448, with the Bucks now at .449.
Kendrick Perkins, who scored a career-high 26 points and also grabbed a career-high nine offensive rebounds, said “They (Milwaukee) played like they were desperate. Obviously they’re trying to make the playoffs, so they out-scrapped us in every way. Their defensive intensity was great.”
Boston was missing one of its three All-Stars, as Kevin Garnett missed his eleventh consecutive game with a muscle strain in his right knee.
The other two Celtics All-Stars, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, combined to shoot 6-26, only scoring 23 points.
“Defensively they were solid,” Allen said after the game. “But I think that we made it tough on ourselves. We had a lot of unforced turnovers. A lot of times we tried to make the home-run play instead of just making the simple pass.”
Starting in place of Garnett, Leon Powe picked up his fifth foul with 5:34 remaining in the third quarter. And before Coach Doc Rivers could bring in a sub, Powe picked up his sixth and had fouled out of the game.
Milwaukee is now 2-2 on its current season-long six-game home stand, and improved to 20-14 overall this season at home. The team has the next two days off before a Wednesday night match-up against the Southeast Division leading Orlando Magic.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler lead Hornets to a win in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – Chris Paul scored 30 points and Tyson Chandler tied his season-high with 17 rebounds to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a 95-86 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night at the Bradley Center.
The Hornets had a decisive edge in the rebounding battle, grabbing 46 boards to Milwaukee’s 30.
New Orleans also shot 25 free throws, compared to the Bucks with only seven.
“Rebounds and fouls, those were the two things,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “We got in the penalty early in both quarters in the second half and then every time we touch them they shoot free throws. We had a very hard time on the glass with them.”
The Bucks were led offensively by Richard Jefferson with 27 points, with Charlie Bell and Keith Bogans contributing 15 and 14 points off the bench, respectively.
But Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions struggled from the field, combining to only score 14 points on 6-20 shooting.
“If we’re gonna hit a stride where we’re really playing our best basketball, with the way our team is right now, we need four, five, six guys playing well on a given night,” Skiles said. “Two guys is not good enough and we’re probably not gonna win. We need multiple players playing well on both ends of the floor.”
Even with the loss, the Bucks remain in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, leading Chicago by a couple percentage points. The New York Knicks, Charlotte Bobcats, and New Jersey Nets are also all within one game of the Bucks’ coveted eighth seed.
“We might lose X amount of games and still make it,” Jefferson said. “If we lose eight in a row and we’re still in the eighth spot, I’m not gonna feel bad for ourselves.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first quarter, with the game tied 5-5 through the opening 8:25. The first quarter ended with the team’s tied 14-14, with Milwaukee shooting under 32 percent and New Orleans under 24 percent.
The Bucks began the second quarter on an 11-2 run, started by back-to-back three-pointers from Keith Bogans. Richard Jefferson, Charlie Bell, and Bogans scored 25 of the Bucks’ first 27 points.
At halftime, Charlie Villanueva had been kept off the board entirely, with no points, assists, or rebounds. Yet the Bucks only trailed by one, 39-38.
In the third quarter, Hornets All-Stars Chris Paul and David West began to heat up. Paul had 10 points in the period, including 6-6 at the free throw line. West scored eight points and pulled down three rebounds. But New Orleans only carried a three point lead into the fourth.
Milwaukee tied the game at 73-73 after a Luke Ridnour three-point shot with 7:29 to play, but the Hornets followed with an 11-2 run and led the rest of the way.
“They are a good team,” Charlie Bell said. “And Chris Paul is probably the best point guard in the league.”
New Orleans improved to 9-1 since getting Tyson Chandler back in the line-up. Chandler missed over a month of action in January and February due to injury, and was then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, that trade was rescinded when the Thunder team doctor determined that a previous injury to Chandler’s left big toe had too great a chance of becoming re-aggravated.
Two of those nine New Orleans victories have come against the Bucks, due in large part to Chandler’s play. He had a game-winning tip-in basket with only seconds remaining two weeks ago when the Hornets hosted Milwaukee, and had 17 rebounds (seven on the offensive glass) Friday at the Bradley Center.
“I think my teammates bonded around the fact that I was gone and then came back,” Chandler said before the game.
“He came back and had a little chip on his shoulder, which can help a player and a team” Hornets coach Byron Scott said. “He understood that we still loved him and we still wanted him and still thought a lot of him. He got on the plane talking about ‘You guys can’t get rid of me’ and everyone had a big joke. Luckily for us, the trade was rescinded and we got him back.”
Milwaukee drops to 1-2 on its current six-game home stand, with the defending champion Boston Celtics coming to town for a Noon tip-off on Sunday.
The Hornets had a decisive edge in the rebounding battle, grabbing 46 boards to Milwaukee’s 30.
New Orleans also shot 25 free throws, compared to the Bucks with only seven.
“Rebounds and fouls, those were the two things,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “We got in the penalty early in both quarters in the second half and then every time we touch them they shoot free throws. We had a very hard time on the glass with them.”
The Bucks were led offensively by Richard Jefferson with 27 points, with Charlie Bell and Keith Bogans contributing 15 and 14 points off the bench, respectively.
But Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions struggled from the field, combining to only score 14 points on 6-20 shooting.
“If we’re gonna hit a stride where we’re really playing our best basketball, with the way our team is right now, we need four, five, six guys playing well on a given night,” Skiles said. “Two guys is not good enough and we’re probably not gonna win. We need multiple players playing well on both ends of the floor.”
Even with the loss, the Bucks remain in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, leading Chicago by a couple percentage points. The New York Knicks, Charlotte Bobcats, and New Jersey Nets are also all within one game of the Bucks’ coveted eighth seed.
“We might lose X amount of games and still make it,” Jefferson said. “If we lose eight in a row and we’re still in the eighth spot, I’m not gonna feel bad for ourselves.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first quarter, with the game tied 5-5 through the opening 8:25. The first quarter ended with the team’s tied 14-14, with Milwaukee shooting under 32 percent and New Orleans under 24 percent.
The Bucks began the second quarter on an 11-2 run, started by back-to-back three-pointers from Keith Bogans. Richard Jefferson, Charlie Bell, and Bogans scored 25 of the Bucks’ first 27 points.
At halftime, Charlie Villanueva had been kept off the board entirely, with no points, assists, or rebounds. Yet the Bucks only trailed by one, 39-38.
In the third quarter, Hornets All-Stars Chris Paul and David West began to heat up. Paul had 10 points in the period, including 6-6 at the free throw line. West scored eight points and pulled down three rebounds. But New Orleans only carried a three point lead into the fourth.
Milwaukee tied the game at 73-73 after a Luke Ridnour three-point shot with 7:29 to play, but the Hornets followed with an 11-2 run and led the rest of the way.
“They are a good team,” Charlie Bell said. “And Chris Paul is probably the best point guard in the league.”
New Orleans improved to 9-1 since getting Tyson Chandler back in the line-up. Chandler missed over a month of action in January and February due to injury, and was then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, that trade was rescinded when the Thunder team doctor determined that a previous injury to Chandler’s left big toe had too great a chance of becoming re-aggravated.
Two of those nine New Orleans victories have come against the Bucks, due in large part to Chandler’s play. He had a game-winning tip-in basket with only seconds remaining two weeks ago when the Hornets hosted Milwaukee, and had 17 rebounds (seven on the offensive glass) Friday at the Bradley Center.
“I think my teammates bonded around the fact that I was gone and then came back,” Chandler said before the game.
“He came back and had a little chip on his shoulder, which can help a player and a team” Hornets coach Byron Scott said. “He understood that we still loved him and we still wanted him and still thought a lot of him. He got on the plane talking about ‘You guys can’t get rid of me’ and everyone had a big joke. Luckily for us, the trade was rescinded and we got him back.”
Milwaukee drops to 1-2 on its current six-game home stand, with the defending champion Boston Celtics coming to town for a Noon tip-off on Sunday.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Third quarter run lifts New York to a win in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE – The New York Knicks started the second half on an 18-4 run and knocked off the Milwaukee Bucks 120-112 Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.
Charlie Villanueva led the Bucks with 32 points and nine rebounds, and Ramon Sessions added 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds, but the Knicks second-half surge proved to be too much to overcome.
“They turned it up in the third quarter,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “They got competitive and got up into us. They started driving the ball and we didn’t have any competitive answer for it.”
Larry Hughes scored a season-high 39 points for New York, and Nate Robinson scored 32 points and dished seven assists off the bench.
David Lee finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Knicks, giving him a league-leading 51 double-double’s this season. He scored the first seven points for New York to jump start its third quarter run.
When the Bucks defeated the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, they were still a half-game back of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite not playing since, Milwaukee regained the final playoff spot Monday night when Dwyane Wade nailed a buzzer-beating three-point shot to sink the Chicago Bulls. But tonight’s loss drops the Bucks back out of the playoff picture in the East.
“We didn’t play like we wanted to be in the playoffs,” Charlie Bell said after the game. “If we don’t turn it up we’re gonna be on the outside looking in.”
Bell played a team-high 40 minutes and scored 12 points off the bench for Milwaukee.
“We knew the importance of this game,” Villanueva added. “We shouldn’t allow that run that happened in the third. We came out not focused, didn’t have energy, and they took advantage of that.”
Villanueva scored the first eight points for the Bucks to start the game, but was benched after three minutes despite outscoring New York by himself at that point.
Milwaukee carried a nine point lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Knicks quickly turned that around, going up by seven following its third quarter run.
New York outscored the Bucks by 13 in the third quarter and took a four point lead into the final period, where Larry Hughes and Nate Robinson combined to score 25 of the Knicks 32 fourth quarter points.
“I thought the second half we finally got the intensity right,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “We had 64 points in the second half because we picked it up and we ran. Obviously Larry (Hughes) and Nate (Robinson) were unbelievable, but David Lee really set the tone in the second half. A few dunks, great defense and playing as hard as he can.”
“We gotta learn from it and put this game behind us,” Villanueva said. “We still have a chance (at making the playoffs).”
Milwaukee fell short in its attempt to sweep the season series over New York. The Bucks have not swept the Knicks since the 1990-91 season.
In each of the previous three games between the two teams this season, Milwaukee held New York under 90 points, but the league’s fourth-highest scoring team shot over 47 percent tonight to defeat the Bucks.
“They deserved to win,” Skiles said. “They kicked our ass.”
Milwaukee plays game three of its season-long six-game home stand on Friday night at the Bradley Center against the New Orleans Hornets, quickly followed by a Noon tip-off on Sunday against the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Charlie Villanueva led the Bucks with 32 points and nine rebounds, and Ramon Sessions added 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds, but the Knicks second-half surge proved to be too much to overcome.
“They turned it up in the third quarter,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “They got competitive and got up into us. They started driving the ball and we didn’t have any competitive answer for it.”
Larry Hughes scored a season-high 39 points for New York, and Nate Robinson scored 32 points and dished seven assists off the bench.
David Lee finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Knicks, giving him a league-leading 51 double-double’s this season. He scored the first seven points for New York to jump start its third quarter run.
When the Bucks defeated the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, they were still a half-game back of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite not playing since, Milwaukee regained the final playoff spot Monday night when Dwyane Wade nailed a buzzer-beating three-point shot to sink the Chicago Bulls. But tonight’s loss drops the Bucks back out of the playoff picture in the East.
“We didn’t play like we wanted to be in the playoffs,” Charlie Bell said after the game. “If we don’t turn it up we’re gonna be on the outside looking in.”
Bell played a team-high 40 minutes and scored 12 points off the bench for Milwaukee.
“We knew the importance of this game,” Villanueva added. “We shouldn’t allow that run that happened in the third. We came out not focused, didn’t have energy, and they took advantage of that.”
Villanueva scored the first eight points for the Bucks to start the game, but was benched after three minutes despite outscoring New York by himself at that point.
Milwaukee carried a nine point lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Knicks quickly turned that around, going up by seven following its third quarter run.
New York outscored the Bucks by 13 in the third quarter and took a four point lead into the final period, where Larry Hughes and Nate Robinson combined to score 25 of the Knicks 32 fourth quarter points.
“I thought the second half we finally got the intensity right,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “We had 64 points in the second half because we picked it up and we ran. Obviously Larry (Hughes) and Nate (Robinson) were unbelievable, but David Lee really set the tone in the second half. A few dunks, great defense and playing as hard as he can.”
“We gotta learn from it and put this game behind us,” Villanueva said. “We still have a chance (at making the playoffs).”
Milwaukee fell short in its attempt to sweep the season series over New York. The Bucks have not swept the Knicks since the 1990-91 season.
In each of the previous three games between the two teams this season, Milwaukee held New York under 90 points, but the league’s fourth-highest scoring team shot over 47 percent tonight to defeat the Bucks.
“They deserved to win,” Skiles said. “They kicked our ass.”
Milwaukee plays game three of its season-long six-game home stand on Friday night at the Bradley Center against the New Orleans Hornets, quickly followed by a Noon tip-off on Sunday against the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Jefferson’s season-high 36 points carries Bucks over Warriors
Milwaukee -- After losing three consecutive games over the past four days, the Milwaukee Bucks responded on Saturday night to defeat the Golden State Warriors 127-120 at the Bradley Center.
With the Chicago Bulls idle, the Bucks’ win inches them a half-game closer to regaining the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Richard Jefferson led all scorers with a season-high 36 points, as seven Milwaukee players scored in double figures.
High scoring games are nothing new for Golden State. The Warriors rank second in the National Basketball Association in points scored per game (107.6), but also lead the league in points allowed per game (111.3).
“Whenever you’re playing against Golden state, it’s similar to the Phoenix Suns, where it’s going to be a high-scoring game,” Jefferson said. “You try and play up-tempo, but you don’t wanna get too crazy jacking shots with them. I thought Ramon (Sessions) and Luke (Ridnour) did a good job of playing at the pace that we needed.”
Along with scoring 15 points, Ramon Sessions delivered nine assists without committing any turnovers. Milwaukee forced 20 turnovers, while only giving up nine.
“Maybe the main reason we even have the wins we have is we force a lot of turnovers and a lot of games don’t turn it over very much,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. “We’ve taken pretty good care of the ball. We force turnovers. We lead the league in that and it’s been a big factor for us.”
With the win over Golden State, the Bucks kicked off its season-long six-game home stand and improved to 19-12 at the Bradley Center this season.
“We need to win a big share of our home games,” Skiles said. “We need to do the best we can to win every one we can get here.”
“This was a big win for us just because it starts our home stand and we need to keep it going,” Bucks guard Luke Ridnour said. “We have an opportunity to try and take advantage and get it done while we’re here.”
Golden State entered the game with an extensive injury report. Starting center Andris Biedrins, who ranks fifth in the NBA with 11.6 rebounds per game, was not with the team due to personal reasons. The Warriors were also without starting point guard Monta Ellis (left ankle stiffness), Brandan Wright (partial dislocation, left shoulder), and Kelenna Azubuike (mid-back strain).
Warriors coach Don Nelson found a good way to describe his team’s situation after Golden State’s loss to Detroit on Thursday night, and found it fitting to use again. “Did you miss my line (from last night)? We were in a gun fight with a knife,” Nelson said.
Despite being listed as questionable, both Stephen Jackson (strained right hamstring) and Corey Maggette (sprained right ankle) were able to play. Jackson tied a season-high of 11 assists to go along with 23 points, but turned the ball over seven times. Maggette finished with 22 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
The Bucks led by five points after the first quarter, and extended its lead to nine at halftime. Milwaukee held a 13 point lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the game, but Jamal Crawford hit four three-point shots in the fourth quarter and led Golden State on a 15-2 run to tie the game 104-104 with six minutes left.
With two minutes to go and the Bucks now up five, Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva hit back-to-back three point shots to put the game out of reach.
The Bucks (30-36) have two days off before hosting Nate Robinson and the New York Knicks (25-36) on Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.
With the Chicago Bulls idle, the Bucks’ win inches them a half-game closer to regaining the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Richard Jefferson led all scorers with a season-high 36 points, as seven Milwaukee players scored in double figures.
High scoring games are nothing new for Golden State. The Warriors rank second in the National Basketball Association in points scored per game (107.6), but also lead the league in points allowed per game (111.3).
“Whenever you’re playing against Golden state, it’s similar to the Phoenix Suns, where it’s going to be a high-scoring game,” Jefferson said. “You try and play up-tempo, but you don’t wanna get too crazy jacking shots with them. I thought Ramon (Sessions) and Luke (Ridnour) did a good job of playing at the pace that we needed.”
Along with scoring 15 points, Ramon Sessions delivered nine assists without committing any turnovers. Milwaukee forced 20 turnovers, while only giving up nine.
“Maybe the main reason we even have the wins we have is we force a lot of turnovers and a lot of games don’t turn it over very much,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. “We’ve taken pretty good care of the ball. We force turnovers. We lead the league in that and it’s been a big factor for us.”
With the win over Golden State, the Bucks kicked off its season-long six-game home stand and improved to 19-12 at the Bradley Center this season.
“We need to win a big share of our home games,” Skiles said. “We need to do the best we can to win every one we can get here.”
“This was a big win for us just because it starts our home stand and we need to keep it going,” Bucks guard Luke Ridnour said. “We have an opportunity to try and take advantage and get it done while we’re here.”
Golden State entered the game with an extensive injury report. Starting center Andris Biedrins, who ranks fifth in the NBA with 11.6 rebounds per game, was not with the team due to personal reasons. The Warriors were also without starting point guard Monta Ellis (left ankle stiffness), Brandan Wright (partial dislocation, left shoulder), and Kelenna Azubuike (mid-back strain).
Warriors coach Don Nelson found a good way to describe his team’s situation after Golden State’s loss to Detroit on Thursday night, and found it fitting to use again. “Did you miss my line (from last night)? We were in a gun fight with a knife,” Nelson said.
Despite being listed as questionable, both Stephen Jackson (strained right hamstring) and Corey Maggette (sprained right ankle) were able to play. Jackson tied a season-high of 11 assists to go along with 23 points, but turned the ball over seven times. Maggette finished with 22 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
The Bucks led by five points after the first quarter, and extended its lead to nine at halftime. Milwaukee held a 13 point lead with just over nine minutes remaining in the game, but Jamal Crawford hit four three-point shots in the fourth quarter and led Golden State on a 15-2 run to tie the game 104-104 with six minutes left.
With two minutes to go and the Bucks now up five, Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva hit back-to-back three point shots to put the game out of reach.
The Bucks (30-36) have two days off before hosting Nate Robinson and the New York Knicks (25-36) on Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Big fourth quarter comeback leads New Jersey over the Bucks
Milwaukee -- The New Jersey Nets made six of eight three-point shots in the fourth quarter in a comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks 99-95 on Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.
With the loss, Milwaukee’s lead on the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race is down to one-half game over the Nets, and remains one game over the Chicago Bulls, who lost in Charlotte.
The Bucks led the entire way until Devin Harris’ steal and fast break lay-up early in the fourth quarter put the Nets ahead for the first time all night.
Milwaukee responded by forcing three consecutive turnovers and going on a 12-3 scoring run, reclaiming an eight point lead with less than five minutes remaining.
But New Jersey bounced back, making four shots from beyond the arc over the next two minutes, giving the Nets a four point lead.
Milwaukee came back to tie the game at 90-90, but another three-point shot by Jarvis Hayes with 18 seconds left was enough to seal the victory for the Nets.
“We didn’t execute at all in the fourth quarter,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “Our defense kept us in there and we were hustling, but we just had trouble making the right plays in the fourth quarter.”
Richard Jefferson, who was traded to Milwaukee after playing his first seven seasons with New Jersey, knows the Nets offense well.
“The way they play, they spread the ball with pick and rolls with Devin (Harris) and Vince (Carter) and they shoot three’s,” Jefferson said. “That is how they play. They live and die by it. The first 40 minutes of the game we did a good job of it. The last eight minutes they were able to knock down a couple (three point shots).”
The Bucks struggled offensively, shooting under 39 percent for the game, but were able to out-rebound New Jersey 52-42.
Charlie Villanueva had a game-high 15 rebounds, and also led Milwaukee with 24 points.
Richard Jefferson shot 4-18 from the floor against his former team, but made all 12 of his free throw attempts, finishing with 20 points. He also added six assists and five rebounds.
Milwaukee native and former Wisconsin Badgers standout Devin Harris struggled throughout most of the game for New Jersey, shooting 3-14 from the field, but knocked down four clutch free throws in the final seconds to finish with 14 points and 11 assists.
Harris, who was named Wisconsin’s “Mr. Basketball” in 2001 during his senior year at Wauwatosa East High School, left the game in the first quarter and headed for the locker room.
“I was out of breath all night and that’s not normal for me,” Harris said. “I can’t put my finger on why…I don’t know if it’s asthma-related. I barely use my inhaler, but I used it quite a lot tonight. I felt like I couldn’t get air. I’m gonna get checked out tomorrow and see what happens.”
After not being able to play in New Jersey’s previous trip to Milwaukee earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, Harris returned from the locker room and re-entered the game in the second quarter.
“Coming home is extra special; playing against the hometown team, seeing family and friends,” Harris said. “I got to see a lot of familiar faces…a lot of Badger fans.”
The Bucks first-round pick in 2007, Yi Jianlian, who was traded to New Jersey this past off-season in the deal that brought Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee, was greeted largely by boo’s from the crowd when he was introduced. Yi, who came to the National Basketball Assocation directly from China, made it clear prior to the 2007 NBA Draft that he preferred not to play in Milwaukee. He scored four points and blocked three shots in 16 minutes for the Nets, and didn’t play at all in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee travels to Cleveland for a game Wednesday night against LeBron James and the Cavaliers, followed by a Friday night game in Chicago. The Bucks then return home to face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night at the Bradley Center to begin a season-long six-game home stand.
With the loss, Milwaukee’s lead on the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race is down to one-half game over the Nets, and remains one game over the Chicago Bulls, who lost in Charlotte.
The Bucks led the entire way until Devin Harris’ steal and fast break lay-up early in the fourth quarter put the Nets ahead for the first time all night.
Milwaukee responded by forcing three consecutive turnovers and going on a 12-3 scoring run, reclaiming an eight point lead with less than five minutes remaining.
But New Jersey bounced back, making four shots from beyond the arc over the next two minutes, giving the Nets a four point lead.
Milwaukee came back to tie the game at 90-90, but another three-point shot by Jarvis Hayes with 18 seconds left was enough to seal the victory for the Nets.
“We didn’t execute at all in the fourth quarter,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game. “Our defense kept us in there and we were hustling, but we just had trouble making the right plays in the fourth quarter.”
Richard Jefferson, who was traded to Milwaukee after playing his first seven seasons with New Jersey, knows the Nets offense well.
“The way they play, they spread the ball with pick and rolls with Devin (Harris) and Vince (Carter) and they shoot three’s,” Jefferson said. “That is how they play. They live and die by it. The first 40 minutes of the game we did a good job of it. The last eight minutes they were able to knock down a couple (three point shots).”
The Bucks struggled offensively, shooting under 39 percent for the game, but were able to out-rebound New Jersey 52-42.
Charlie Villanueva had a game-high 15 rebounds, and also led Milwaukee with 24 points.
Richard Jefferson shot 4-18 from the floor against his former team, but made all 12 of his free throw attempts, finishing with 20 points. He also added six assists and five rebounds.
Milwaukee native and former Wisconsin Badgers standout Devin Harris struggled throughout most of the game for New Jersey, shooting 3-14 from the field, but knocked down four clutch free throws in the final seconds to finish with 14 points and 11 assists.
Harris, who was named Wisconsin’s “Mr. Basketball” in 2001 during his senior year at Wauwatosa East High School, left the game in the first quarter and headed for the locker room.
“I was out of breath all night and that’s not normal for me,” Harris said. “I can’t put my finger on why…I don’t know if it’s asthma-related. I barely use my inhaler, but I used it quite a lot tonight. I felt like I couldn’t get air. I’m gonna get checked out tomorrow and see what happens.”
After not being able to play in New Jersey’s previous trip to Milwaukee earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, Harris returned from the locker room and re-entered the game in the second quarter.
“Coming home is extra special; playing against the hometown team, seeing family and friends,” Harris said. “I got to see a lot of familiar faces…a lot of Badger fans.”
The Bucks first-round pick in 2007, Yi Jianlian, who was traded to New Jersey this past off-season in the deal that brought Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee, was greeted largely by boo’s from the crowd when he was introduced. Yi, who came to the National Basketball Assocation directly from China, made it clear prior to the 2007 NBA Draft that he preferred not to play in Milwaukee. He scored four points and blocked three shots in 16 minutes for the Nets, and didn’t play at all in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee travels to Cleveland for a game Wednesday night against LeBron James and the Cavaliers, followed by a Friday night game in Chicago. The Bucks then return home to face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night at the Bradley Center to begin a season-long six-game home stand.
Michael Redd spends time at the UWM Union
Michael Redd spent nearly two hours at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Thursday night, sharing stories of his Christian beliefs with students and area residents.
In addition to being an Olympic gold medalist and former NBA All-Star, the Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard is also an active member of the community.
Redd, who was accompanied by his wife Achea and members of the Michael Redd Foundation, said he came with the hope of sending a positive message to everyone who attended.
“We’re just trying to bring hope to young people, specifically on campuses,” Michael Redd said. “We were invited to come, and it’s been great.”
Michael’s wife Achea shared the stage with her husband, and together the two said they hoped to lift the spirits of everyone in the room.
“Michael and I love people. We love to help them. We feel like that’s what we’re supposed to do, to go and spread good news,” Achea Redd said. “To us, good news is a word of encouragement to people who may not have been exposed to that, and hopefully it can help their lives.”
Despite the event being relatively formal, Michael Redd took the stage dressed in a vintage Star Wars t-shirt, setting the tone that it was okay to relax and enjoy the night.
Laughing about the shirt, he said “I just happened to pull the shirt out of my closet. It just happened to be Star Wars.”
“It’s a junk food tee,” Achea Redd added.
Michael Redd’s positivity and good vibes are not only off the court, but on the basketball court as well. At the conclusion of every game, whether his team wins or loses, he walks to center court and gives thanks.
“Since my rookie year it’s been something that we do after each game. We thank God for no injuries and for safe travels back home, especially on the road,” he said.
Although he is sometimes only joined by a few teammates at center court, more often than not there are members of the opposing team standing by his side as well.
“Any player is welcome to come,” he said.
Redd, who is currently sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, gave an update on the progress of his injury.
“No surgery yet,” he said. “Rehabbing, and getting it stronger for next season. That’s all I’ve been doing, rehabbing.”
The event was held inside the Wisconsin Room of UW-Milwaukee’s Union, and was sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ and Michael Redd’s organization Wave Ministires.
This is Michael Redd’s third time speaking at UW-Milwaukee, and student organizer Thomas Lacombe estimated that around 300 people attended on Thursday.
Michael Redd will also be back each of the next two months, on March 12 and April 9.
“We do speeches about once a month,” Achea Redd said.
In addition to being an Olympic gold medalist and former NBA All-Star, the Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard is also an active member of the community.
Redd, who was accompanied by his wife Achea and members of the Michael Redd Foundation, said he came with the hope of sending a positive message to everyone who attended.
“We’re just trying to bring hope to young people, specifically on campuses,” Michael Redd said. “We were invited to come, and it’s been great.”
Michael’s wife Achea shared the stage with her husband, and together the two said they hoped to lift the spirits of everyone in the room.
“Michael and I love people. We love to help them. We feel like that’s what we’re supposed to do, to go and spread good news,” Achea Redd said. “To us, good news is a word of encouragement to people who may not have been exposed to that, and hopefully it can help their lives.”
Despite the event being relatively formal, Michael Redd took the stage dressed in a vintage Star Wars t-shirt, setting the tone that it was okay to relax and enjoy the night.
Laughing about the shirt, he said “I just happened to pull the shirt out of my closet. It just happened to be Star Wars.”
“It’s a junk food tee,” Achea Redd added.
Michael Redd’s positivity and good vibes are not only off the court, but on the basketball court as well. At the conclusion of every game, whether his team wins or loses, he walks to center court and gives thanks.
“Since my rookie year it’s been something that we do after each game. We thank God for no injuries and for safe travels back home, especially on the road,” he said.
Although he is sometimes only joined by a few teammates at center court, more often than not there are members of the opposing team standing by his side as well.
“Any player is welcome to come,” he said.
Redd, who is currently sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee, gave an update on the progress of his injury.
“No surgery yet,” he said. “Rehabbing, and getting it stronger for next season. That’s all I’ve been doing, rehabbing.”
The event was held inside the Wisconsin Room of UW-Milwaukee’s Union, and was sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ and Michael Redd’s organization Wave Ministires.
This is Michael Redd’s third time speaking at UW-Milwaukee, and student organizer Thomas Lacombe estimated that around 300 people attended on Thursday.
Michael Redd will also be back each of the next two months, on March 12 and April 9.
“We do speeches about once a month,” Achea Redd said.
Milwaukee leads from start to finish in victory over Wizards
Milwaukee -- Ramon Sessions and Dan Gadzuric each put up a double-double as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Washington Wizards 109-93 on Saturday night at the Bradley Center.
After a last second loss in New Orleans last night, the Bucks took control early and led the entire game against Washington, capping off a 3-0 season sweep of the Wizards.
Charlie Villanueva’s game-high 25 points, along with the double-double by Sessions and Gadzuric, and a near double-double by Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, carried the Bucks to a decisive win, helping the team hang on to its grasp of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
“It was very convincing, a win we felt like we needed to have,” Sessions said after the game. “Losing two in a row against Dallas and New Orleans, we felt coming back tonight this was a must-win, and we came out and did the job.”
Sessions finished with 12 points and 10 assists, while Mbah a Moute came within one rebound of his own double-double, finishing with 13 points and nine boards, five of which came on the offensive end.
Gadzuric posted his third double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
“I thought Danny (Gadzuric) was huge,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game, talking about his team’s rebounding. “He came in and got some big rebounds for us.”
After tonight’s win, the Bucks still have seven of their next nine games at home, and four of their next five games against teams with a losing record.
“Ain’t nothing like when you can play at home in a great environment like the Bradley Center,” Sessions said. “We look forward to this (the games at home), we gotta capitalize though. It don’t mean anything if we don’t get the wins.”
Washington continues to play without its All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas, who is making over $14 million this season after signing a six-year $111 million contract last summer, but has yet to play a single game this season due to the third knee surgery of his career.
The injury-depleted Wizards, who were coming off a win last night with President Obama sitting courtside, were led by Antawn Jamison with 21 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
Racine native Caron Butler added 19 points and six assists, but turned the ball over a game-high six times.
“It’s always fun to come back,” Butler said about playing in his hometown. “It’s been an exciting week, playing in front of the President yesterday and now playing in front of the family and loved ones today.”
Washington continued its road woes, falling to 4-24 away the Verizon Center. Tonight’s loss also drops the Wizards to 14-45 overall on the season, which is worst in the Eastern Conference, and tied for second-worst in the entire league.
Milwaukee’s strong start began with Richard Jefferson outscoring the Wizards by himself 7-4 early on. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute also grabbed three early offensive rebounds, and Ramon Sessions dished three assists, all in the first 4:18. This was all part of a first quarter in which the Bucks shot nearly 55 percent, including five of six from beyond the arc, taking a 13 point lead into the second quarter and never looking back.
With the win, Milwaukee now holds a one game lead over the Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets for eighth place in the East, but is also only two games behind the sixth place Philadelphia 76ers.
The Bucks have the next two days off before hosting the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.
After a last second loss in New Orleans last night, the Bucks took control early and led the entire game against Washington, capping off a 3-0 season sweep of the Wizards.
Charlie Villanueva’s game-high 25 points, along with the double-double by Sessions and Gadzuric, and a near double-double by Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, carried the Bucks to a decisive win, helping the team hang on to its grasp of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
“It was very convincing, a win we felt like we needed to have,” Sessions said after the game. “Losing two in a row against Dallas and New Orleans, we felt coming back tonight this was a must-win, and we came out and did the job.”
Sessions finished with 12 points and 10 assists, while Mbah a Moute came within one rebound of his own double-double, finishing with 13 points and nine boards, five of which came on the offensive end.
Gadzuric posted his third double-double of the season, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
“I thought Danny (Gadzuric) was huge,” Bucks coach Scott Skiles said after the game, talking about his team’s rebounding. “He came in and got some big rebounds for us.”
After tonight’s win, the Bucks still have seven of their next nine games at home, and four of their next five games against teams with a losing record.
“Ain’t nothing like when you can play at home in a great environment like the Bradley Center,” Sessions said. “We look forward to this (the games at home), we gotta capitalize though. It don’t mean anything if we don’t get the wins.”
Washington continues to play without its All-Star point guard Gilbert Arenas, who is making over $14 million this season after signing a six-year $111 million contract last summer, but has yet to play a single game this season due to the third knee surgery of his career.
The injury-depleted Wizards, who were coming off a win last night with President Obama sitting courtside, were led by Antawn Jamison with 21 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.
Racine native Caron Butler added 19 points and six assists, but turned the ball over a game-high six times.
“It’s always fun to come back,” Butler said about playing in his hometown. “It’s been an exciting week, playing in front of the President yesterday and now playing in front of the family and loved ones today.”
Washington continued its road woes, falling to 4-24 away the Verizon Center. Tonight’s loss also drops the Wizards to 14-45 overall on the season, which is worst in the Eastern Conference, and tied for second-worst in the entire league.
Milwaukee’s strong start began with Richard Jefferson outscoring the Wizards by himself 7-4 early on. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute also grabbed three early offensive rebounds, and Ramon Sessions dished three assists, all in the first 4:18. This was all part of a first quarter in which the Bucks shot nearly 55 percent, including five of six from beyond the arc, taking a 13 point lead into the second quarter and never looking back.
With the win, Milwaukee now holds a one game lead over the Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets for eighth place in the East, but is also only two games behind the sixth place Philadelphia 76ers.
The Bucks have the next two days off before hosting the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.
Villanueva “on fire” as Bucks win high-scoring game
Milwaukee – The Milwaukee Bucks bounced back after consecutive home losses this week to defeat the Denver Nuggets 120-117 Sunday at the Bradley Center.
The Bucks' win helps the team increase its lead to 1.5 games for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, as the ninth place Chicago Bulls lost at Indiana earlier in the day.
Charlie Villanueva scored a season-high 36 points, shooting 7 of 11 from three point range, including a shot from beyond half court to close out the first quarter.
“The defense gave me a lot of good looks in the first quarter, and once I hit that half-court shot, I knew I was on fire,” Villanueva said after the game.
Ramon Sessions got off to a strong start and took control of the game early, outscoring the Nuggets by himself over the first 4:40 to start the game. Villanueva and Sessions combined to score 23 of the Bucks first 31 points.
Sessions finished with 27 points, shooting 13 of 15 from the free throw line, and also led the game with eight assists.
“Charlie (Villanueva) and Ramon (Sessions) carried the offensive load for us,” Bucks head coach Scott Skiles said. “Those two guys made the big offensive plays when we needed to have them.”
Milwaukee scored 69 points in the first half, tying its season high, but team members acknowledged that they’ll need to step up on the defensive end in order to win more games.
“We were scoring baskets,” Sessions said. “That’s (the Nuggets) kind of game so we were lucky tonight. We have to come out better next game and defend. Giving up 117, it’s tough to win.”
With the Bucks traveling to Dallas on Wednesday, Villanueva said the thrill of the win will have to be short-lived.
“We have to enjoy this win,” Villanueva said, “but at the same time we have to get ready to go back on the road against a very good team. And I know Dallas is going to remember what we did to them here at home. We’ll have to come out with a lot of energy and come ready to play.”
The game against Dallas that Villanueva referenced was a 133-99 Bucks victory over the Mavericks one month ago at the Bradley Center.
Despite losing the rebounding battle 48 to 31, the Bucks were able to defeat the Nuggets, who even with the loss remain in third place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
“We really got crushed on the glass tonight,” Coach Skiles said after the game. “I thought both teams were struggling to find some energy for good portions of the game.”
Denver head coach George Karl, who coached the Bucks during five successful seasons from 1998-2003, was happy that his team out-rebounded Milwaukee, but knew that his team’s 24 turnovers were too much to overcome.
“We won the rebounding war,” Karl said, “but they won the turnover war. I would prefer the turnovers. When you’re in an offensive game like tonight, the turnovers really are heavy.”
Two days after LeBron James had one of the best games of his still-young career at the Bradley Center, Carmelo Anthony, who was drafted by Denver two picks after LeBron in the 2003 Draft, put up 33 points and 9 rebounds in a losing effort.
Already playing without starting power forward Kenyon Martin due to back spasms, the Nuggets suffered another potentially devastating injury when starting center Nene collided with Richard Jefferson in the fourth quarter. According to the Denver Nuggets post-game player injury report, Nene, who was on crutches after the game, has a right knee contusion and will be evaluated in Denver tomorrow.
The Bucks win improves the team’s record to 28-31, already two more wins than all of last season, with 23 games still remaining on the schedule.
Milwaukee heads out on a two-game road trip this week before returning home Saturday night to take on the Washington Wizards at the Bradley Center.
The Bucks' win helps the team increase its lead to 1.5 games for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, as the ninth place Chicago Bulls lost at Indiana earlier in the day.
Charlie Villanueva scored a season-high 36 points, shooting 7 of 11 from three point range, including a shot from beyond half court to close out the first quarter.
“The defense gave me a lot of good looks in the first quarter, and once I hit that half-court shot, I knew I was on fire,” Villanueva said after the game.
Ramon Sessions got off to a strong start and took control of the game early, outscoring the Nuggets by himself over the first 4:40 to start the game. Villanueva and Sessions combined to score 23 of the Bucks first 31 points.
Sessions finished with 27 points, shooting 13 of 15 from the free throw line, and also led the game with eight assists.
“Charlie (Villanueva) and Ramon (Sessions) carried the offensive load for us,” Bucks head coach Scott Skiles said. “Those two guys made the big offensive plays when we needed to have them.”
Milwaukee scored 69 points in the first half, tying its season high, but team members acknowledged that they’ll need to step up on the defensive end in order to win more games.
“We were scoring baskets,” Sessions said. “That’s (the Nuggets) kind of game so we were lucky tonight. We have to come out better next game and defend. Giving up 117, it’s tough to win.”
With the Bucks traveling to Dallas on Wednesday, Villanueva said the thrill of the win will have to be short-lived.
“We have to enjoy this win,” Villanueva said, “but at the same time we have to get ready to go back on the road against a very good team. And I know Dallas is going to remember what we did to them here at home. We’ll have to come out with a lot of energy and come ready to play.”
The game against Dallas that Villanueva referenced was a 133-99 Bucks victory over the Mavericks one month ago at the Bradley Center.
Despite losing the rebounding battle 48 to 31, the Bucks were able to defeat the Nuggets, who even with the loss remain in third place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
“We really got crushed on the glass tonight,” Coach Skiles said after the game. “I thought both teams were struggling to find some energy for good portions of the game.”
Denver head coach George Karl, who coached the Bucks during five successful seasons from 1998-2003, was happy that his team out-rebounded Milwaukee, but knew that his team’s 24 turnovers were too much to overcome.
“We won the rebounding war,” Karl said, “but they won the turnover war. I would prefer the turnovers. When you’re in an offensive game like tonight, the turnovers really are heavy.”
Two days after LeBron James had one of the best games of his still-young career at the Bradley Center, Carmelo Anthony, who was drafted by Denver two picks after LeBron in the 2003 Draft, put up 33 points and 9 rebounds in a losing effort.
Already playing without starting power forward Kenyon Martin due to back spasms, the Nuggets suffered another potentially devastating injury when starting center Nene collided with Richard Jefferson in the fourth quarter. According to the Denver Nuggets post-game player injury report, Nene, who was on crutches after the game, has a right knee contusion and will be evaluated in Denver tomorrow.
The Bucks win improves the team’s record to 28-31, already two more wins than all of last season, with 23 games still remaining on the schedule.
Milwaukee heads out on a two-game road trip this week before returning home Saturday night to take on the Washington Wizards at the Bradley Center.
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