Bucks-Bulls: Earl Boykins Suspension and Bucks' Loss Typify Hard-Luck Season

The Bucks played in Chicago without Earl Boykins, suspended one game by the NBA for intentionally bumping a referee in the third quarter of the Bucks' 95-80 loss to the Hawks Monday.

The Bucks, already without injured starting point guard Brandon Jennings, were forced to play shooting guard John Salmons in relief of Keyon Dooling, who was the last man standing of the Bucks' three point guards.

It wasn't the way the Bucks envisioned their first matchup against Derrick Rose and the Bulls. But then again, very little has gone the Bucks' way, as many picked the Bucks to take the Central Division coming into the season.

The Bucks put up a defensive struggle but fell tonight to the Bulls in Chicago, 90-77. The loss dropped their record to 12-18, eight games behind the Bulls (20-10) and in Central standings.

Center Andrew Bogut, playing against Kurt Thomas and Carlos Boozer, had a miserable offensive night, scoring just four points and failing to convert a single bucket out of the Bucks post-up offense—which they largely abandoned after the first quarter.

While Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng found their range and led the scoring for the Bulls with 24 points apiece, Bogut led the Bucks with 15 rebounds. 

Far too much for the Bucks to overcome with Bogut turning in a two-for-twelve effort.