Start me up Bucks

For one night at least the Milwaukee Bucks looked like serious players in the Eastern Conference title chase. Completely outclassing the home team Detroit Pistons on opening night, the Bucks simply looked like they were playing at a different speed and on a different level than their highly regarded opponents -- from the opening tip to the closing horn.

The stunning domination began early and was keyed by C Andrew Bogut. Before he ran out of gas he looked almost McHalish working down low against the Pistons new, and generally quite competent, C Nazr Mohammed. He took him to the box on repeated occasions and just whipped him. He ate rebounds like a hungry hippo. He passed beautifully from the high post. He triggered the Bucks entire attack.

And then there was the incomparable Michael Redd. The Pistons had all offseason to devise a plan to stop him and simply could not. He scored at will all night long. What a display he put on. He looked like a five star player on the verge of superstardom.

Charlie Villanueva turned in a terrific effort as well. Yes, he shot poorly. Yes, his three pointers were ill-considered. But he dominated the boards and gave the Bucks a far better, more athletic, matchup with Rasheed Wallace than his mate Bogut could offer last spring. The pick-and-pop play they killed us with in the playoffs was generally unavailable.

Speaking of matchups, did you notice none were to the Pistons' obvious advantage? Unlike last spring when they could score at will by simply locating the man TJ Ford was allegedly guarding, the Pistons had no surefire option on the court at anytime. And without Ford and Magliore, two turnover prone ballhogs, the Bucks' ball security and ball movement was superb.

And there's something about that Ruben Patterson. He didn't have a great game, but everytime he was on the court he caught your eye. I love what he brings to the table. Toughness, athleticism, attitude. Its refreshing to see that repetoire in a Bucks uniform.