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Bucks in playoff form
By Alexander Dunn
The Milwaukee Bucks are finding themselves in a strange position this year — above .500, poised for the playoffs and playing tremendous basketball as the regular season draws to a close.
After going just 30-52 in the 2004-2005 season, the revamped Bucks are currently 37-36 and are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, fourth in their division.
Tuesday’s thrilling victory over the Phoenix Suns gave Bucks fans much to hope for as they stride toward one of eight available playoff spots in the East.
For those who missed it, the Bucks thrilled the home crowd as they defeated the Phoenix Suns 132-110, thanks to Charlie Bell and Michael Redd, who were electric as they led the Bucks in victory, scoring a combined 47 points. Bell also added his first career triple double, scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.
Playing in the Central Division, with four out of five teams in serious playoff contention, has given the Bucks quite a difficult road block this year. The defeat of one of the top teams in the West, with some level of ease, gives Bucks fans much to look forward to.
After the game, Bucks head coach Terry Stotts said, “When you look at the offensive end, its fun when you score like that. We’ve had some great wins, but this definitely ranks up there.”
And great wins they have had indeed. Who hasn’t been glued to Bucks games at the end of the fourth quarter this year? If you haven’t been, it’s time to start looking.
Making major moves in the beginning of the year has helped owner Herb Kohl’s team become successful and exciting to watch.
Acquiring Stotts, an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, signing the 2004-2005 leading sixth man Bobby Simmons in the off-season, and making a late move to acquire Jamal Magloire has added explosive game play and energy to the young Bucks.
Perhaps one of the strongest moves by this franchise though, or by General Manager Larry Harris rather, was acquiring Andrew Bogut as the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
His stellar game play has made him rookie of the month numerous times this year and has excited fans around the league.
As the Bucks close in on their last nine games, its time we all rally around our team. Whether avid fan, casual viewer, or non sports fan, let it be known that this truly is, “Our town. Our team.”
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