03-05-2008, 03:48 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 5,458
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All about the bench's bad play
Quote:
St. Francis - The Milwaukee Bucks toiled in relative anonymity on Tuesday, practicing at the Cousins Center while the state's sports fans focused their attention on the retirement of Green Bay Packers' quarterback Brett Favre.
A quick start after the all-star break has given way to a three-game losing streak and the Bucks (22-38) will try to reverse that pattern tonight when they open a three-game home stand against rookie guard Kevin Durant and the Seattle SuperSonics.
One big concern in recent games has been the play of the bench.
In a victory over Cleveland last week, the Bucks' reserves were outscored, 37-6, and two nights later New Jersey's subs held a resounding 49-8 advantage, led by 21 points from former University of Wisconsin star Devin Harris.
The Bucks' reserves were even with San Antonio, 23-23, in the team's two-point loss on Saturday night at the Bradley Center, as Manu Ginobili scored 30 in a starting role for the Spurs. Indiana's bench held a 34-33 edge in the Pacers' 128-106 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday at Conseco Fieldhouse.
"Right now the starters are playing a few more minutes, and as bench players, we're just trying to get in when we fit in," Bucks guard Charlie Bell said. "We're trying to stay ready."
Bell was in foul trouble in the Cleveland game and played just 11 minutes, but he played 35 minutes against San Antonio as starting point guard Mo Williams was ejected early in the third quarter. Against Indiana, Bell played 17 minutes and had six points and two assists.
"Guys get out of their comfort zone a little bit, because you don't know if you're going to play or how long you're going to play," Bell said. "It can't be an excuse, though. We've just got to be out there and ready, no matter how many minutes it is."
Reserve small forward Bobby Simmons did not play due to coach's decision against Cleveland or New Jersey, but he had 11 points (4-of-9 shooting) in 28 minutes against the Spurs. He was 3 for 14 from the floor and had seven points and eight rebounds against Indiana.
"My job is to be in the best shape and be prepared to play whenever I'm called upon, and to get my work in," said Simmons.
After missing all of last season due to foot surgery, Simmons said he wants to take advantage of any playing time.
"My main focus is to do whatever it takes to keep me healthy and continue to play this game," Simmons said.
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http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=724793
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All about the bench's bad play
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