A ‘Melo Sort of Dream
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010Normally I try and avoid these unrealistic, complex and hackneyed hypotheticals. I find that living in the “what could be” prevents me from enjoying living in the “what is.”
In terms of the Bucks, the “what is” is shaping up to be a pretty enjoyable 2010-11 season. But what if it could be more. What if it could really be something special? What if one move could get Milwaukee that much closer to a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals or even, dare I say, a chance to compete with Miami?
I can’t help myself, so I’ll indulge this one time.
As a one season rental, isn’t there a pretty compelling case to be made for Carmelo Anthony to the Milwaukee Bucks?
Even when indulging in an exercise like this, I’m still somewhat grounded in reality, so I’m not saying Anthony could ever want to stay in Milwaukee for more than a season. Not when New York is flaunting its wears so prominently. Not when Chris Paul toys with the idea of joining ‘Melo there on their own super team. Free agency has never been Milwaukee’s game any way. But the trade market has often been good to the Bucks. (more…)
That Signature Road Win You Hear So Much About: Bucks 102 – Nuggets 97
Sunday, March 21st, 2010After intensity lagged considerably against the Clippers and Kings, one could only assume things had to get better against the Nuggets for the Bucks Saturday. Unfortunately, they were coming off a double overtime game Friday night, got to their hotel around four in the morning Milwaukee time and were facing a team with the third best home record in the league. So this one was over before it started.
I mean, you just can’t expect to write the Bucks off so easily and then not have them win. That’s just not how they roll.
Forgive me for sounding like a broken record lately, but once again, the Bucks have another win that can be placed on the pedestal as “their best win of the year”. That’s becoming a recurring theme, no? Beat the Cavs, (still a good win even if they were without Lebron James) best win of the year. A full strength Celtics team drops one to the Bucks: Milwaukee’s best win of the year. The scorching hot Jazz can’t topple the Bucks either? That was the best win of the year. Regardless of which win was your personal favorite or which one should stand out as the signature on what’s becoming a thrill ride of a Bucks season, they all count for one and they’re all sending the same message: these Milwaukee Bucks are for real.
I will say I enjoy the road wins a little more, especially the ones against upper-echelon teams. For so long the Bucks have been automatic losses when heading into opponents territory, even as recently as earlier this season. Now the Bucks have a fighting chance wherever they go. Scott Skiles said earlier this year that he thought it’d take 15 road wins for this team to make it to the playoffs. As he was saying that he was pining for a signature road win too. He wanted to beat a real legit team on their court, probably for the sake of his own guys’ mentality. If they want to win in the playoffs, they’re going to have to beat some playoff teams on the road. As recently as Saturday morning, the Bucks still hadn’t proven to themselves that they could do that.
Well, they finally did it Saturday night. Even sweeter? They did it in their 15th road win. Playoffs … playoffs … playoffs … (more…)
A statement game: Bucks 108 – Nuggets 102
Thursday, November 12th, 2009Box score/Recap/Roundball Mining Company/Brew Hoop
A trait you’ll often see in the best point guards is the ability to know when to get others involved and when to take shots themselves. Often, early in the game they like to get their teammates involved, get them in rhythm and comfortable. If the other guys are feeling it, that makes a point guard’s night much easier. As the game goes on the best point guards may take things upon themselves a little bit more though, if things are getting tense and the team needs a big basket or two, the greats have always had the ability to turn the meter to 11 and guide their team to victory. So what’s the best way to explain what Brandon Jennings did against Denver?
First quarter: 0 points 4 assists
Fourth quarter: 14 points 0 assists
He knew when it was time for him to take over. (more…)
Game Six Preview: Bucks vs. Nuggets
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Denver Nuggets (George Karl) 5-2
(Likely) Inactives: Johan Petro
At
Milwaukee Bucks (Scott Skiles) 3-2
(Likely) Inactives: Michael Redd, Joe Alexander and Francisco Elson
Game Time: 7:00
TV: Fox Sports Wisconsin
Match-ups
Point Guard
Brandon Jennings vs. Chauncey Billups
Billups is the ideal result of any combo point guard in the league. He bounced around, people weren’t sure if he was a scorer or a passer, but he figured things out about six years into his career. The idea of Chauncey Billups is probably as intimidating as any match-up for point guards in the league. Billups is the go-to-guy whenever someone is describing a veteran, muscley, big, winning point guard. Upon arriving in Denver last year, Billups changed the culture and held players accountable as defenders and teammates. At 33, Billups is still going strong thanks to a game that relies on strength and smarts rather than speed. Jennings will learn a lot by watching the tape of this one when it’s done.
Advantage: Nuggets (more…)
