Coach Scott Skiles wants to establish an inside game, and that's why the Bucks have made a concerted attempt to get center Andrew Bogut quickly into the flow of games.
The Bucks did a poor job of that against the Bulls in the season opener, but they have done a better job since. In Milwaukee's 98-87 victory over Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, the Bucks went to Bogut early and often, and he responded by scoring eight first-quarter points in helping the team move to a nice lead.
Bogut's effectiveness around the basket opened up shooting opportunities for shooting guard Michael Redd and small forward Richard Jefferson.
Look for the Bucks to go to Bogut right from the get-go against the Knicks on Sunday at Madison Square Garden, as the Knicks, under new coach Mike D'Antoni, are playing small ball without a true center.
RAPTORS 91, BUCKS 87: Ramon Sessions got taken to school Saturday night at the Bradley Center. The Bucks' young point guard couldn't contain Jose Calderon, the Raptors' veteran point guard. Calderon totaled 25 points, including a critical 3-pointer with 21.7 seconds left that gave the Raptors an 87-85 lead. Calderon also had nine assists.
The Bucks, playing their regular-season home opener, got a team-high 19 points from Michael Redd, although he shot only 7-for-19 from the field. Redd also missed a tough shot from the right corner in the waning seconds that could have tied the game at 89.
