What Milwaukee Bucks Must Do To Defeat Phoenix Suns
The game tonight between the Milwaukee Bucks (10-13) and Phoenix Suns (10-14) is a matchup of third place teams in their respected divisions.
The Bucks have dropped two in a row to the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls after their emotional upset over the Miami Heat last week Wednesday. The Suns on the other hand come into Milwaukee on a two-game winning streak after upsetting the Atlanta Hawks last night.
Phoenix currently ranks 22nd in rebounds, 14th in assists and 20th in points and points allowed per game. Milwaukee ranks 25th in rebounds, 11th in assists, 16th in points and 15th in points allowed. On paper these teams are very similar with the Bucks having a slight edge in team statistics.
The real matchup to watch is between point guards Brandon Jennings and Steve Nash. Both players are having phenomenal years and must be credited for the success of their respected teams.
Jennings is averaging 19.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.70 steals in 23 games played this season. He is a strong candidate to be named an All-Star reserve for the first time in his career and is the driving force that makes the Bucks play with confidence every night. Meanwhile, Nash is averaging 15.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 0.55 steals in 22 games this season. Nash is also a favorite to be named an All-Star reserve and has done most of the damage offensively for the Suns this season.
If the Bucks want to win tonight they must first neutralize Nash. He is very good at creating opportunities for his teammates and Milwaukee must force him to do that opposed to allowing him to score at will. The Bucks must also figure out a way to out-rebound the Suns. This means Drew Gooden and Ersan Ilyasova must be boxing out and collecting the boards consistently. Last night against the Hawks, Nash was able score and dish the ball which is a deadly combo for opposing teams to defend. The Suns also out-rebounded the Hawks 45-35 which allowed them to pull away towards the end of the game.
It is crucial Milwaukee has success converting three-pointers tonight because Phoenix hits a high-percentage from behind the arc. The Bucks must make their outside shots to force the defense out so Gooden can have success in the paint against Channing Frye and Robin Lopez.
If Milwaukee can play their usual aggressive defense while also shooting a decent percentage from the field there should be no reason why they can’t get a win tonight in front of their home crowd.
