Posted: December 22, 2010 4:45 p.m. CT
By TELLY HUGHES
FOXSportsWisconsin.com
Less than 24 hours after a lackluster 26-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Milwaukee Bucks became only the third team this season to bring down the two-time defending world champions on their home court.
There was very little reason to feel optimistic about facing the Los Angeles Lakers, especially shorthanded with injuries to Drew Gooden and Corey Maggette. But, behind 22 points from Earl Boykins and 20 by John Salmons, the Bucks took down the champs 98-79.
The Bucks shot 50.7% from the field, thanks to scoring contributions from eight of their nine available players, with four of those eight scoring in double digits. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, along with John Salmons did an excellent job holding Kobe Bryant to 9/16 shooting and 21 points before Bryant was ejected from the game for contesting a call.
The Bucks are now 1-1 with one game left to go on their current road trip, and head coach Scott Skiles says a win over the Lakers means nothing if they don't follow it up against Sacramento. The Bucks will wrap up their West coast road swing against the Kings in Sacramento on Thursday.
