PLAY OF THE GAME: After the Bucks had closed to within five early in the fourth quarter, forward Travis Outlaw grabbed an offensive rebound, dunked, was fouled and made the free throw to give Portland a 79-71 lead.

STATISTICS SHEET: Portland shot 51.4% in the first half but turned the ball over 11 times, leading to 14 Milwaukee points.

OFF THE BENCH: Bucks forward Malik Allen, who did not play in the previous three games, got an early call Monday, playing the final 5 minutes of the first quarter and 12 minutes in the first half. He played 22 minutes in all.

UP NEXT

TEAMS: Bucks (20-24) vs. Dallas Mavericks (24-17).

WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday.

WHERE: Bradley Center.

BROADCASTS: TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

NOTEBOOK

SEE RUDY DUNK: Bucks rookie Joe Alexander was saddened deeply to hear that he would not be participating in the all-star slam dunk contest.

Or not.

"Distraught," Alexander said with tongue firmly in cheek. "I am crushed."

Growing a bit more serious, he said, "No big deal.

"I'm going to have own private dunk contest at my house. Just me. I'll be the only one invited."

The NBA announced Monday that Portland's Rudy Fernandez had been selected through fan balloting to compete in the dunk contest. Fernandez, a native of Spain, will be the first international player to participate in the event.

Fernandez received 251,868 votes and beat out Russell Westbrook (147,279) of Oklahoma City and Alexander (114,963).Fernandez will compete against defending-champion Dwight Howard of Orlando, Rudy Gay of Memphis and Nate Robinson of New York.

Alexander said he hadn't really practiced any dunks on the court but had just visualized in his mind what he might do. He said he enjoyed doing the videos and promotions for the vote.

"That was a good time," he said.

The dunk contest will take place on Feb. 14 as part of all-star weekend in Phoenix.

HANGING IN THERE: Backup point guard Tyronn Lue has fallen out of the rotation for the time being but is staying ready and keeping a professional approach to his situation.

"I'm good," he said. "I'm in great shape, the best shape I've been in a while. I feel good, I'm healthy and just waiting for an opportunity."

Lue said that he did not allow himself to become discouraged when he went through stretches where he didn't play much.

"I've always been a player that has a lot of confidence so if I get a chance, I think I'll be able to produce," he said. "It's difficult at times, playing once every four or five games, but it's the situation I'm in and what I have to deal with so I'll be fine. It's a long season and there's always different opportunities so when I get my chance, I'll be ready."

Tom Enlund

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