Recap/Box Score

It would be difficult for things to be anymore clear right now.

After fattening up on the tired, the weak and the poor, the Bucks had quite a challenge in front of them Sunday evening.  Awaiting them was the completely healthy, fourth best team in the East.  After playing the Hornets without Chris Paul and the Heat without Dwyane Wade the Bucks would have to beat the Hawks with everyone to establish themselves as the favorites for a back-half playoff spot in the conference, perhaps even as high as the fifth seed.

But the Bucks just couldn’t get over the hump – and it actually made a lot of sense.

Mental mistakes and inexperience are to blame for the blown leads, first a seven point lead with 3:40 to go in regulation and then a five point lead with 3:17 left in overtime, but when things got tight, they kind of shook out as anyone would expect. Read more…

Milwaukee Bucks (Scott Skiles) 30-28

At

Atlanta Hawks (Mike Woodson) 36-21

Date: 2/28/2010

Time: 5:00 (CST)

TV: FS Wisconsin

Matchups

Point Guard

Brandon Jennings vs. Mike Bibby

Jennings did everything a point guard is supposed to do against the Heat.  His passing, rebounding and timely baskets had a lot to do with the Bucks offense running so effectively.  Against the Hawks, who typically switch on screens and are aggressive on defense, he’ll be relied on to make the correct decisions and take care of the ball even more.  Bibby’s operating more as a release valve when the athletic Hawk wings head towards the cup.  He’s hitting 36.6 percent of his threes, which is down from 39 last year.  He really is only dangerous if he gets hot; I’m not super worried about Mike Bibby getting in the paint.

Advantage: Bucks Read more…