Bucks Diary: Nov. 2, 2005

ALL NEW MILWAUKEE BUCKS

The Bucks took the court last night against the Philadelphia 76ers to begin the 2005 season. What a beginning! The Bucks rallied behind Michael Redd's hot shooting and TJ Ford's incredible speed and stunned the 76ers by tying the game in regulation. Then in overtime, Ford, Redd, and the sensational new center Andrew Bogut took over and dominated the Sixers leading the Bucks to an impressive 117-108 win. The new Bucks looked very, very good. Here are some impressions.

Bogut is closer to Bill Walton than Olowakandi

Andrew Bogut is the real deal. He hustles, he rebounds, he finishes around the basket. I was quite impressed. Stephen A. Smith reports Marvin Williams doesn't really like to play basketball. Is there any question that the Bucks chose the right man?

TJ Ford is an incredible point guard

TJ was the little engine who could on Tuesday. Though the stats don't really reflect it, I thought he dominated Allen Iverson when it counted most. His coast-to-coast lay-up near the 1:00 minute mark of regulation put was a sight to see, and it put the Bucks in position for the win. His heads up intelligence on the final play in regulation, keeping his dribble alive until he found 3 point expert Michael Redd for the game tying shot, was a thing of beauty. Welcome back Pocket Rocket.

Charlie Bell is a find

In the first half, when the Bucks were struggling to hang with Philly, this Charlie Bell guy showed he is a scoring force off the bench, sinking shot after crucial shot. He is quite an addition to your Milwaukee Bucks.


The Bucks celebrate Redd's heroics

Bobby Simmons is for real

F Bobby Simmons showed he is not a one year wonder. He finished with 20 plus points in an impressive debut with the Green and Purple. He gives us dimensions that the inconsistent but flashy Desmond Mason never provided. He will be a big key to our Bucks success in the '05 campaign.