Source: AFP
-- Miami's Dwyane Wade missed his fourth straight game with a strained calf and could only watch as Milwaukee handed the Heat yet another defeat Saturday, this one 94-71.
Milwaukee are 3-0 this year against Miami, winning by a total of 50 points. For the first time in seven years Milwaukee will take the season series from the Heat.
"Every time we play them, they pretty much hand it to us," Heat guard Rafer Alston said.
Wade, the All-Star game Most Valuable Player, is still nursing a strained left calf. Without him, Miami scored only 26 points in the second half and received some jeers from disappointed home fans.
"When you are missing your best player and another team is coming at you hard like we were tonight, it can be tough," Bucks center Andrew Bogut said. "They need him back sooner rather than later."
The Heat will try to regroup for Sunday's clash with Southeast Division leaders Orlando. Wade is doubtful for that game.
"It's a huge gap with Dwyane out, but we've still got to go out and play hard," swingman Dorell Wright said. "We didn't play as hard as Milwaukee did."
Recently acquired John Salmons led the Bucks with 18 points. Reserve Jerry Stackhouse added 16 in 25 minutes, including four three-pointers.
"The confidence level is very high, and we're really playing well as a team," Stackhouse said. "Everyone is sharing the ball and getting it done at both ends of the court."
Both teams are battling to stay in the playoff race. Milwaukee is seventh in the Eastern Conference and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Miami.
"When you're playing the teams that you are directly competing against, tiebreakers come into play," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. "We now have a tiebreaker over Miami."
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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