~Milwaukee Bucks~ Had to finish...

[Jing]

wow certainly low scoring games.. but at least you won

[Laxation]

the next game, and for the rest of the season, the games will be more regular scoring, im upping the quarter times to 7min ea.

[Laxation]

Trade on the Horizon?

Phoenix is looking to deal Eddie House, preferably for a young SG.
Milwaukee has taken great interest in this, and have been in contact with Phoenix looking for a deal.

Other teams who are interested are Detroit, possibly trading Carlos Arroyo, yet no rumours have been confirmed or denied.
New Jersey is rumoured also to be offering Jefferson or Carter and filler for House and Brian Grant, in his 11th year as a C/F.

In other NBA News, the Philadelphia 76ers have released SG Willie Green to the free-agent market.

[Laxation]

Milwaukee vs. Minnesota





Boxscores (click logos)


Korver Couldn't Win It
Despite a 30 point effort, Korver couldn't win it for Bucks.

Milwaukee was outplayed, and outscored in every quarter as they went for 44 3-pointers, only hitting 12 of them. It was missing open 3's late in the last quarter that ended up deciding the game, Korver and Redd couldn't hit a shot in the fourth and were the main culprits in Milwaukee's 9-29 shooting in the fourth.

Kevin Garnett only played a fraction of the rest of the wolves starters, yet still had 19-10, his post game was unstoppable as he shot 9-12. Wally Szczerbiak had 16 points, shooting effectivly from outside, as well as driving into the lane. Carter was undeniably great in the paint, getting impossible shots off, and making them count with the foul. He proved the difference during the game when the Wolves needed a score.

Three players scored 60 of Milwaukee's 85 points, and with a scorecard like that, added with a dismal shooting performance, it was no surprise to lose by so much. Milwaukee committed 20 turnovers, and only had 19 assists, compared to the Wolves who had 19 assists yet only 9 turnovers.
It wasn't so much the spectacular defence of Minnesota, just the reckless play of the Bucks who were digging their own holes.

Korver, despite shooting 11-33 (8 from 29 were 3pointers), had 30 points, his scorecard
not relecting his play. Many of his missed shots came towards the end of the fourth quarter when they were attempting to gain a lead. Michael Redd shot badly throughout the game, and was 6-20 for the game.

Bogut, Jefferson and Hunter all had bad games, Bogut one of the worst of his season. Jefferson was below average, whilst Hunter continued to underachieve like he has done all season. Gadzuric could be playing for a starting spot, getting 12 rebounds, 6 points and 2 blocks, whilst playing the same minutes as Bogut and Jefferson.

The T-Wolves bench scored 41 of their 102 points, a significant factor in the loss as the dismal bench of the Bucks only scored 24 points. Ricky Davis had 14, and is continuing to prove he is a great addition to the team. Olowakandi blocked Gadzuric, and on their next posession, Davis was a man on a mission, sprinting down the court with the ball and only one thing on his mind. Poster. He comes in from the baseline to do a fantastic 180 spin to dunk it over Olowakandi, and that shut up Olowakandi for the rest of the game.

Next game Milwaukee takes on the dissapointing Bobcats, in what many have already marked down as a blowout in favour of the Bucks.


Player of the Game
Kevin Garnett
19 points
10 rebounds
2 steals

[Laxation]

January Awards Announced

January MVP Candidates

January Players of the Month

January Standings

January Team Stats

[Laxation]

Trade on the Horizon?

Phoenix is looking to deal Eddie House, preferably for a young SG.
Milwaukee has taken great interest in this, and have been in contact with Phoenix looking for a deal.

Other teams who are interested are Detroit, possibly trading Carlos Arroyo, yet no rumours have been confirmed or denied.
New Jersey is rumoured also to be offering Jefferson or Carter and filler for House and Brian Grant, in his 11th year as a C/F.

In other NBA News, the Philadelphia 76ers have released SG Willie Green to the free-agent market.

Upon hearing of New Jersey asking about Brian Grant to be traded, the Atlanta Hawks are rumoured to be in talks with Phoenix on the availability of Grant.
Chad Ford from ESPN.com said today in an article that "Atlanta probably realised they need more leadership, and what better place to find it than in Brian Grant. Obviously, they are not contenders this year for the playoffs, but in the years to come they will be needing strong leadership on and off the court in order for their youngsters to grow. No Doubt they will be getting more new-faces as the years progress, they seem to be a constant in the draft lottery."

[Laxation]

[kibaxx7]

Tough loss man

[HonorGlow]

Hey Laxation, go ahead and send me those pstats so I can compute your efficiency score! I know you said you already played 16 games and that's totally cool in terms of the mid-season window...

Looking forward to seeing your submission!

[Laxation]

Milwaukee vs. Charlotte





Boxscores (click logos)


Ford, Bogut have Career Games in Victory
Ford had 15 assists and Bogut his first double-double in the win against CHarlotte.

Ford had 6 assists in the first quarter alone, helping Jefferson to 8 points. Bogut had 3 blocks, 2 rebounds and 2 points in the first, en-route to his first career double-double. Whilst he had 15 assists, Ford's defence was once again horrendous as he allowed Brevin Knight to drive in to the lane at will, and take open shots. He only made 6-31, but the defence was terrible. Knight also had a rare block, blocking Ford as he went in for a lay-up. Knight also had 9 assists to go with his 19 points.

The recent signing of Willie Green added depth to the bench, as he added 2 points and 2 assists in his first game for Milwaukee. Dan Gadzuric had 6 blocks in the game, including 4 in the third quarter alone. The whole game was just a block-fest, Milwaukee tallying 16 blocks.
Ricky Davis filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 2 steals, 4 assists and 3 rebounds off the bench, accounting for the lack of help from Redd. Mo Williams also had 2 steals when Ford was resting.

Michael Redd had possibly his worst game of the season, scoring only 7 points on 3-16 shooting, missing open shots and connecting on only 1 three-pointer. Korver was on target, luckily, and shot over 50% for his 28 points.

Al Jefferson and Andrew Bogut were the pillars in defence, as well as offence. Bogut had 4 blocks, Jefferson 3, and they together accounted for 27 of Milwaukee's points. Bogut had his
first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Jefferson had 6 rebounds.

Emeka Okafor and Brevin Knight were the stars for the Bobcats today, as Okafor had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks in the contest. Brevin Knight severly outplayed Ford, and was getting shots off at will, despite missing many of them.

The rookie Sean May had a good game off the bench with 6 points and 7 rebounds, without missing a shot. Keith Bogans was also efficient, with 7 assists and 8 points.

Jumaine Jones was injured in the second quarter with a sore lower back. He is out for 3 weeks.

The next game for Milwaukee is at Salt Lake City against Utah, where we get an in-depth look at their quick transition play.


Player of the Game
Andrew Bogut
17 points
11 rebounds
4 blocks

[Laxation]

All-Star Weekend Players Announced!

In what will be, without doubt, the most exciting weekend in this seasons calendar, the All-Star weekend lineups have been announced.
Milwaukee have players in every single game, in what will hopefully be a whitewash in Milwaukee's favour.


Rookie Game
Rookie Starters
Sophomore Starters

Contests
Three-Point Contest
Dunk Contest

All-Star Game
East Starters
West Starters


Should I play Rookie or Sophomore?
Rookie has Bogut, Sophomore has Jefferson and Ford

[Bosh4]

this looks really good man, kick ass in the all star weekend, play rookie more of a challenge

[Laxation]

this looks really good man, kick ass in the all star weekend, play rookie more of a challenge

thanks
hopefully I will do great in it

any thoughts on sophomore or rookie team?

[Laxation]

Milwaukee vs. Utah





Boxscores (click logos)
Utah (logo link not working)

Deron Williams was on fire, but it wasn't enough
Ford's terrible defence nearly loses the game, as Deron drops 31 points.


Despite losing the battle of the boards 26 to 49, Milwaukee was able to retain the lead and win the match. Deron Williams was on fire, showing T.J. Ford how to play offence, and may have taught him something. Ford had a season high 12 points, showing some rare offence to go with 10 assists, his first double-double for the season. Ford also had 4 steals, a stat that makes his defence seem so much better than it really was.
Ford couldn't read the pick-and-roll, and nearly every time the Jazz set one up, he would end up being in the wrong position as Williams let off the jumper.

Carlos Boozer and Greg Ostertag both had 13 rebounds, both combining to equal Milwaukee's rebounding total of 26. Boozer had 10 points and was dominant in the post. Andre Kirilenko had a well balanced game, with 12 points 4 each of rebounds and assists, and his normal defensive game, including a block and some steals. One one posession he blocked the ball off the backboard, then stole the ball off Korver as he recieved a pass from Ford.

Devin Brown had a good game off the bench with 14 points and 7 rebounds, Keith McLoud was good too with 10 points. McLoud nearly won the game for Utah, shooting two clutch 3-pointers late in the game to bring the Jazz within winning range, yet Redd was accurate enough from the line from intentional fouling to seal the win.

He may have shot OK from the line, but Michael Redd's shooting woes continue. He shot 4-14 from the field, once again missing open shots in transition, as well as taking shots under pressure, and missing them too. Korver had 28 points, shooting nearly 50%.

The front-line of Bogut and Jefferson played well, Bogut had 6 blocks, and Jefferson 5, as they combined for 16 rebounds and 24 points, as well as 6 assists. Andrew Bogut displayed his passing skills, his 4 assists filling out his stat-line nicely.



Player of the Game
Andrew Bogut
11 points
8 rebounds
6 blocks
4 assists



With this game against Utah, we have an in-depth look at Milwaukee's fast-paced transition game. Their style of play that has recieved as many accolades as complaints.

After the ball is blocked or rebounded by the C or PF, (in this case it is blocked by Bogut) Ford, Redd and Korver run up the court. Bogut dishes out the pass to T.J. Ford as fast as possible, who in then finds Korver or Redd open on the perimeter, or throws up the ally-oop for a stylish dunk.



As you can see in the diagram, (click to enlarge) this fast moving offence creates many mis-matches, a 3-on-1 is displayed here. Ford passes the ball to Korver on the perimeter (follow the green line) who then sinks an easy, open three-pointer.

[Laxation]

Milwaukee Involved in 7 Man, 3 Team Trade

Click here for News Report


In the lead-up to the trade deadline, many rumours have been floating around the NBA. Many in reguards to Phoenix, and their efforts in trading away guard Eddie House.

Many teams were interested in House, and most people were expecting New Jersey to trade Carter and Clifford Robinson for House and Brian Grant, a name people often use in the same sentence with "leader."
Once New Jersey had put this offer on the table, it sparked all sorts of interest, many teams now enquiring about the availability of Grant, as well as other players on the Suns roster.

In a surprise press conference involving Phoenix, Atlanta and Milwaukee, they announced they had agreed to a trade involving players; Boris Diaw, Eddie House, Brian Grant, Toni Kukoc, Maurice Williams, Willie Green and rookie Esteban Batista.




Atlanta is said to have done the best out of this trade, receiving extremely important leadership in Brian Grant, and only having to reluctantly release Batista. "Batista definately has potential in the NBA, and we were extremely dissapointed to have to give him up," said Atlanta president, Bernie Mullin, "fortunately, we get the leadership of Brian Grant, an excellent leader on and off the court. In our rebuilding phase, we are going to need someone to lead our new, young members and help build their character so that they will become future superstars."




Milwaukee recieved guard Eddie House, as well as all-round player Boris Diaw and of course, Batista, in return for Mo Williams, Toni Kukoc and the recently signed, Willie Green.
Green only appeared in 3 games for the Bucks, averaging just over 2pgg, and an assist per game. Williams was coming second in team assists. Tony Kukoc was upset with his situation, as in the previous 6 games he had played only once, and for 2 minutes. He had privately asked to be moved to another team before the deadline, or to be released to that the 'Croation Sensation' could be utilised to his full potential. Bucks GM, M, had this to say; "We recieved three young players, full of potential. Diaw and House will boost our bench productivity immensly, and hopefully in future Batista will be able to perform well in the NBA, and even better if it is still with us."




Phoenix recieved Williams, Kukoc and Green in this trade, and as redid their roster over the off-season to incorporate more defence, they knew they Kukoc and Williams would provide excellent defence, whilst Green's speed will fit right in with Steve Nash's excellent ability to find his team-mates open. Phoenix GM, Bryan Colangelo, only spoke of high praise for the new members of Phoenix, "Williams and Green are two quick, young, players, yet seem to have the maturity of a much older player. Their basketball intelligence is unquestionable, and Kukoc just speaks for himself. He has been a superstar in his 12years in the NBA, and will only continue on here."

[Rommas]

how do you do 3 way trades, i never knew ou could do that, dont critisis me if i missed something out coz i didnt read it, but how do you do 3 way deals?

[kibaxx7]

Good trade But in my opinion the Suns got the best part of it... only traded Grant and got Mo, Toni and Willie.

[DREeaZy06]

yea PHX did pretty good but you got some nice pieces too, eddie and the do it all Diaw, too bad you had o let go of Mo (saw him play live yesterday and didnt kno he was that good, had to play most of the game cuz Ford went out early) and lol ATL coming out with only Grant but they didnt giv up much at all, with these trades you keep getting deeper, btw i think you should play with SOPHOMORES cuz Ford at PG you can control most of the action and AL inside, and TJ with AI2 and Josh Smith on the wings should make for some nice fastbreaks

[Laxation]

how do you do 3 way trades, i never knew ou could do that, dont critisis me if i missed something out coz i didnt read it, but how do you do 3 way deals?

Traded Grant, Diaw and House to Milwaukee for Kukoc Williams Green
Then traded Grant to Atlanta for Batista

Good trade But in my opinion the Suns got the best part of it... only traded Grant and got Mo, Toni and Willie.

They also traded Diaw and House, and in the real Phoenix, Grant is their captain

yea PHX did pretty good but you got some nice pieces too, eddie and the do it all Diaw, too bad you had o let go of Mo (saw him play live yesterday and didnt kno he was that good, had to play most of the game cuz Ford went out early) and lol ATL coming out with only Grant but they didnt giv up much at all, with these trades you keep getting deeper, btw i think you should play with SOPHOMORES cuz Ford at PG you can control most of the action and AL inside, and TJ with AI2 and Josh Smith on the wings should make for some nice fastbreaks

I wasnt too happy gettind rid of Mo, but House is excellent in the game. He is nearly a superstar shooter, and a great stealer. Atlanta was mainly involved in the trade because Milwaukee didnt want to take on a $16m contract for three years
And since your the only person who replied about sophomore/rookie, ill do sophomore cheers

[Laxation]

Milwaukee vs. Boston





Boxscores (click logos)


Bucks Hold on to Win
A great first quarter by Milwaukee gives them the lead for good.

Note: This game was played previous to the three-team trade.

Despite taking only 66 shots to 82, Milwaukee holds on to an early lead and beat the Celtics in Boston.
Ricky Davis and Al Jefferson were returning for the first time to play in Boston, Magloire and Joe Smith were playing against Milwaukee for the first time as well. This match holds many grudges against their previous teams, and will surely set itself up for an interesting match in the years to come.

In the first quarter, Milwaukee was playing perfectly, making the extra pass and hitting open shots. They had 11 assists to 14 field goals, and shot over 70% from the field. Committing only 1 turnover, compared to Boston's 5, it set them up for a good game.

Paul Pierce did a good job guarding Korver, restricting him to only 13 points on 5-17 shooting. At the other end of the court, Pierce shot over 50 percent for his 21 points, and was instrumental in their second half comeback. Pierce was too quick for Korver, stealing the ball off him three times when he was going for the shot. When Korver did get open, however, he was able to hit his shots, including one from long , long range.
Luckily for Milwaukee, no one was guarding Michael Redd in the first quarter, which allowed him to get easy shots and sink them. It got his confidence up, and set him up for a good game, scoring 26 points on 10-16 shooting.

T.J. Ford had another good game, dishing out 10 dimes, as well as recording his first block of the season, swatting Dan Dickau's shot as he came in for a lay-up. His passing is argueably the most important asset to Milwaukee, as it sets up the team to shoot open shots, and without him their gameplan just wouldnt work. Korver had a season high 5 assists.
Ricky Davis had 12 points off the bench, shown here dunking on rookie Gerald Green.


Tony Allen and Marcus Banks were both important to Boston, Allen scoring many of the Celtics points in the first quarter, and Banks was shooting the ball well throughout the game. The rookie Gerald Green showed no respect for the blocking of Bogut and Jefferson, dunking whenever he wanted.

Magloire was facing up to Bogut for the majority of the game, and was outplayed every way you look at it. Magloire scored only 2 points, and had 3 rebounds, while Bogut had his second double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and also added 3 assists and 4 blocks.
Raef LaFrentz nearly had a double-double with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Joe Smith was also non-existent against his old club, grabbing 3 rebounds and not scoring.

Next up is the All-Star weekend, where many Milwaukee players are involved. A huge surprise was seeing Andrew Bogut starting in the East All-Stars, hopefully a sign of things to come.


Player of the Game
Andrew Bogut
17 points
10 rebounds
4 blocks
3 assists

[HonorGlow]

...from the Chronicles of the 2006 Birdie Project: (info)

Laxation's Milwaukee 2005-06 mid-season Birdie Breakdown:

With a well balanced attack, the bucks could have easily chosen any one of their top three guys for Team MVP honors, however, Andrew Bogut stood out among the team and stands out to earn that reward with a weighted Birdie efficiency score of 11.86 - and his 'reversible' Live Card will be enabled soon...

Breaking into the board:
This Dynasty instance is currently ranked #15 on the Official 2006 Birdie Board

the running leaderboard: (view entire list here)

The qualifers:
K. Korver 17.1 ppg (ranks 10th)
A. Bogut 5.8 rpg (ranks 9th)
T. Ford 6.8 apg (ranks 7th)
T. Ford 1.1 spg (ranks 9th)
A. Bogut 3.4 bpg (ranks 1st)
field goal% A. Bogut 57.8 (ranks 6th)

Complete 'Birdie Breakdown' coverage click here.

Laxation: Hey man thank you so much for letting me compute your efficiency score and letting me know another angle of your Dynasty! I e-mailed you about getting a rockin screen shot of Bogut, please let me know so I can construct your Live Card asap. however, I might not be able to post the livecard yet until I rework some formula stuff on the Live Card creator...but that should be done by the end of the weekend. So if you can get that pic to me before then that'd be great! PLEASE keep up the awesome recaps and don't forget to submit your stats for the END of the season two!

[Laxation]

you should have equated my stats so that it works for 12min quarters then id be winning in everything lol

ill check my email and try to get the pic asap

[HonorGlow]

Hahaha...YES! But if everybody was normalized for 12min quarters...EVERYBODY would be penalized up the butt, it's safe to say that Live Dynasties are all on high octane, no matter if the scores look realistic in the end.

I'll pm you here in a sec, Laxation.

[kibaxx7]

Good trade But in my opinion the Suns got the best part of it... only traded Grant and got Mo, Toni and Willie.

They also traded Diaw and House, and in the real Phoenix, Grant is their captain

lol... I didn't read the trade clearly Yeah House and Diaw traded to you.

[Melo Man]

Lax you have been playing good as of late. I hope you can keep it up!