Around the NBA

Dec. 31, 2011 |

BUCKS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Point guard Brandon Jennings takes the first-week honors, particularly for playing a closer role in home victories against Minnesota and Washington. He averaged 22.7 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 46% in three games. Jennings made 7 of 8 free throws in the last 5 minutes and drove the ball directly at Timberwolves rookie point guard Ricky Rubio in the home opener Tuesday. And the third-year guard outplayed John Wall on Friday night and scored eight of his 22 points in the fourth quarter as the Bucks took a 102-81 victory over the Wizards.

BUCKS QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Just to stick it to Michael (Bobcats owner Michael Jordan), that's what it's about. But we'll have to wait until next time." - guard Shaun Livingston, after scoring 14 points in the Bucks' opening-night loss at Charlotte, his former team.

BUCKS WEEK AHEAD

It's no easy path to start the New Year for the Bucks, who begin a season-long five-game trip Monday in Denver. And they play five games in a seven-day span. It's Utah on Tuesday, where they will go against Milwaukee native Devin Harris. Sacramento is the third game on the trip and a matchup against Jimmer Fredette and former Bucks guard John Salmons. The suddenly potent Los Angeles Clippers loom Saturday night with Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Caron Butler. And the trip ends next Sunday against Phoenix, where they will run into Steve Nash and a guy they know quite well, Michael Redd.

NBA PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant certainly was ready for the delayed season to start. All he did in the Thunder's first three games was this: 30 points vs. Orlando, 33 vs. Minnesota and 30 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and six assists against Dallas. Oh, forgot one thing. Durant calmly sank a deep three at the final buzzer off an inbounds play to stun the Mavericks, 104-102. "I told Thabo (Sefolosha) in the huddle to give me the ball," Durant said. "I'm an emotional player and I wanted to get the win for us."

NBA TEAM OF THE WEEK

The Miami Heat (4-0) dismantled defending league champion Dallas on Christmas. Then Miami held off Boston with a stunning fourth-quarter performance by rookie and former Cleveland State guard Norris Cole. In Charlotte on Wednesday they sputtered at the start but turned it on and won, 96-95, on a clutch late shot by Dwyane Wade. The former Marquette star saluted Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, who was seated courtside, by imitating his touchdown move. And Miami moved to 4-0 as LeBron James celebrated his 27th birthday with 34 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a two-point victory at Minnesota on Friday. Not a bad way to start for a team that has plenty to prove this season.

NBA WEEK AHEAD

The Los Angeles Lakers play at Denver on Sunday night in the second of a strange back-to-back after the teams met New Year's Eve afternoon at the Staples Center. That means when the Bucks play the Nuggets on Monday it will be the third game in as many nights for Denver. The Chicago Bulls, coming off a successful season-opening western swing (3-1 record), finally play their first home game Sunday when they face Memphis. Other highlights include Dallas at San Antonio on Thursday and Chicago at Orlando on Friday.

NUMBERS GAME

6 Fouls committed by Stephen Jackson in his first game with the Bucks.

24 Free throws attempted by Minnesota forward Kevin Love against the Bucks.

83 Minutes played by the Bucks' bench in the home opener.

32-12 Bucks' all-time record in home openers.

14 Points scored by Bucks rookie Jon Leuer against the Timberwolves.

ONE MAN'S OPINION

It's early, but the Bucks appear to be a much different - and much deeper - team. Even with Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Carlos Delfino missing the first two games due to injuries, the Bucks' offense ran much smoother than it did a year ago. With Delfino out with a sprained right wrist, coach Scott Skiles simply used Mike Dunleavy Jr. in the starting lineup. Skiles said Saturday he will continue to bring Delfino off the bench for now. The Bucks had 52 points at halftime against Charlotte, 60 vs. Minnesota and 65 against Washington. Jackson said he's still getting into shape and isn't hitting his shots. But he defended well against Corey Maggette and Michael Beasley. Center Andrew Bogut shot poorly against Minnesota but hit a few jumpers and showed confidence in his right hand, and he had 15 rebounds against the Wizards. This week's road exam will be grueling. Let's see if the Bucks can come out of it with two or three victories and gain some early confidence.