5-2. 2-1. 3-0. These three numbers represent the Bucks record with Shawn Livingston starting, since Andrew Bogut got injured (3-1 if you consider Bogut missed most of the win against Houston), and without Stephen Jackson, respectively. Yes there is a lot of optimism in Bucks camp right now and everyone is wondering if they can keep it up. Starting tonight, the Bucks face a 3 games in 4 nights stretch that includes Miami and Chicago. Let the test begin.
Recap
01/30/12 Bucks v. Pistons
Box Score
Analysis: JSOnline, Brewhoop, Behind the Buck Pass
Power Rankings
Marc Stein: 19
John Hollinger: 15
NBA.com: 18
Coverage
Gery Woelfel is reporting that Ersan Ilyasova has 5 teams overseas that want to buy out his contract. Ersan claims to have his focus (even though he’s talking to reporters about it), ”I don’t want to think about it because I don’t want it to affect my game. We’ll see what happens.” If Ilyasova can keep up his high level of play, he’ll set himself up for a good contract, whether it’s in the NBA or not.
Brandon Jennings as good as LeBron James?! Okay not really, but Behind the Bucks Pass has stats to prove that Jennings and LeBr0n are playing the most efficient basketball in the league.
Charles Gardner is calling Delfino’s recent star stopping defense devilish.
Brian Matzat is a contributor to Bucksketball.com. Follow him on Twitter. Then become a fan of Bucksketball on Facebook (click in the sidebar).
The Milwaukee Bucks were feeling all kinds of 2009-2010 last night. Losing Andrew Bogut to injury. Making shots. Winning. It was quite the sight to behold. Enter today’s Buck Hits.
Recap
01/23/12 Bucks v. Hawks
Box Score
Analysis: JSOnline, Brewhoop, Behind the Buck Pass
01/25/12 Bucks @ Rockets
Box Score
Analysis: JSOnline, Brewhoop, Behind the Buck Pass
Power Rankings
Marc Stein: 17
John Hollinger: 19
NBA.com: 17
Coverage
Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel has an answer for the Bucks’ struggles: Amnesty Stephen Jackson. IF the Bucks wanted to ditch the Jackson experiment, I would bet that they could somehow trade him, getting something back in return rather than paying him to sit at home.
Great breakdown of the starting lineups the Bucks have trotted out thusfar over at Brewhoop.
Bad news for the Bucks: Bogut is expecting the worst with his ankle injury. ”I’m not optimistic. With my history of unlucky injuries I’m hoping this one can do me a favor and (go away). Most of my injuries are unfortunate things and this goes in the same boat as that. It’s frustrating,” Bogut moped. Best case, according to Bogut, is “hopefully it would be a week thing. We’ll see what happens.” One week means no Bogut for games against Chicago, the Lakers, Detroit, and Miami. And if he misses ten days, you can add another meeting with Detroit and Chicago to that list.
More bad news for the Bucks: they’re still the least valuable franchise in the NBA, according to Forbes.
Brian Matzat is a contributor to Bucksketball.com. Follow him on Twitter. Then become a fan of Bucksketball on Facebook (click in the sidebar).
The Internet, for as large and free (for now) as it is, lacks Bucks coverage when the team is struggling. Sure, Brandon Jennings is shooting 45% from the field a fifth of the way through the season. But no one wants to talk upside when you’ve lost 8 of your last 10 and 3 straight. In fact, no one wants to talk Bucks at all. Today’s Buck Hits are devoid of coverage, much like last night’s transition defense.
Recap
01/17/12 Bucks v. Nuggets
Box Score
Analysis: JSOnline, Brewhoop, We’re Bucked
Power Rankings
Marc Stein: 22
John Hollinger: 24
NBA.com: 19
Sebastian Pruiti does dive into the rookie rankings once again and Jon Leuer finds himself fifth on the list. Pruiti, master of the film clip, even has a clip of Leuer.
Brian Matzat is a contributor to Bucksketball.com. Follow him on Twitter. Then become a fan of Bucksketball on Facebook (click in the sidebar).
Just as the Twittersphere started the movement to fire Scott Skiles following a 0-5 West Coast road trip, the Bucks put together a dandy. The win over the Spurs was nearly as compelling as the Bucks have played since their last trip to the postseason against the Hawks. So while the team is 0-6 on the road, consider too that they are undefeated at home at 3-0.
Recap
01/10/12 Bucks v. Spurs
Box Score
Analysis: JSOnline, Brewhoop, We’re Bucked
Power Rankings
Marc Stein: 26
NBA.com: 23
They’re back! After a lockout-sized hiatus, Buck Hits have returned to bring you the very best of the Bucks from around the web. Much to discuss, so without further adieu…
Recap
12/27/11 Bucks v. Wolves
Box Score
Analysis: JSOnline, Brewhoop, We’re Bucked
Power Rankings
Marc Stein: 17
NBA.com: 17
Charles Gardner: 16
