Slam Dunk Central

Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Redd had a daunting task - to contain Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.  Depending on your definition of “contain”, Redd’s assignment tonight was deemed a success.  Redd not only held Bryant in check, he also scored 26 points, guiding Milwaukee to a win over Los Angeles 110-103 Wednesday night at Milwaukee.

Besides the Redd-Bryant subplot, the game was relatively even until it heated up at the beginning of the fourth quarter.  The Lakers had a 80-75 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter; however, Milwaukee started a 13-3 run, taking a 88-83 lead on a Redd layup with 6:48 remaining in the game.  The Bucks then proceeded to squelch a potential Lakers rally with some clutch shooting, capped by consecutive 3-pointers by Milwaukee swingman Bobby Simmons and forward Charlie Villanueva, along with a jumper by G Mo Williams, giving Milwaukee a 101-93 lead with 2:43 left.

The Lakers pulled to within 4 on a layup by F Luke Walton with 54 seconds left; however, Milwaukee’s Williams hit a pair of free throws on the other end.  But Villanueva fouled Walton, with Walton hitting both free throws to cut the Bucks’ lead to 103-99 with 36 seconds left.  After Villanueva made 2 free throws, the Lakers’ Bryant missed a 3-pointer.

Milwaukee’s high scorer was the aforementioned Redd with 26 points; Williams added 18 with 9 assists, while Villanueva chipped in 14.  The Lakers were led by Bryant who despite his team-high 27 points was harrassed most of the night.  Center Andrew Bynum had another strong night, adding 16 and 13 rebounds; G Derek Fisher poured in 14.  Milwaukee (6-4), winners of 4 straight, look to continue this streak as they host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night, while Los Angeles (7-4) fly east to take on the Boston Celtics Friday night.

Stumble it!