I was driving on Highway 45 this morning when I passed a billboard that was advertising $10 upper-level Bucks tickets through the end of 2008. "Man, do I love the Bucks," I thought. I realized then that maybe I came down a little too hard on my assessment of the Bucks' season-opening loss against Chicago.

In that loss, I saw a lot of things I saw in the 2007-08 Bucks, when writing about them became more of a chore. They didn't shoot well, defend well, and Michael Redd continued to prove he only cared about his scoring average.

One night later, I realized I may have overreacted. Sure, a 98-87 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder doesn't really prove anything, but I was pretty impressed with their play tonight. Quick thoughts:

  • Besides Bogut getting in foul trouble early again, he looked pretty good. He's definitely the glue that holds this team together.
  • An even 20 points each out of Redd, Jefferson, and Villaneuva. The three of them played together, and played to their strengths.
  • I really like the bench. Malik Allen and Tyronn Lue serve their role. Charlie Bell works as a sixth man. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute might be my new favorite Buck.

Whereas last night I put too much stock into a loss, I have to be careful I'm not putting too much stock into a victory. But regardless, this was a pretty good performance by Milwaukee, and it brings optimism that more performances like this one are to come.