Game 1 was painful for the Bucks. Give the Pistons credit for that. Their suffocating defense on Michael Redd was the key to Detroit's 92-74 victory. I wholeheartedly reject the notion that the Pistons are boring to watch. It's never boring to watch a team that is great at what they do. The Pistons play team defense at a level that reflects pride in craftsmanship. Now it's up to the Bucks to make the game-to-game adjustments that define a playoff series.

Andrew Bogut had 10 points and 7 rebounds in his NBA playoff debut. Talking to Andrew on Sunday at the shootaround, it was clear that he was not nervous about getting his first taste of postseason play in the pros. His confidence is one of his best assets and was on display in Game 1 with a clever left-handed scoop shot.

It's been well-documented that the Pistons have beaten the Bucks in the previous three playoff meetings (1976, 1989 and 2004). But there are other strong links between these two franchises. The Bucks first-ever victory was over Detroit, 134-118 on October 31,1968 at the Milwaukee Arena. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's first game with the Bucks was a 119-110 victory over Detroit on October 18, 1969. Kareem (then Lew Alcindor) had 29 points. The Bucks handed the Pistons their worst loss ever--a 59-point thrashing (143-84) on December 26, 1978. One of the most famous trades in Bucks history was with Detroit. The Bucks acquired Bob Lanier from the Pistons for Kent Benson and a first-round draft choice on February 4, 1980. What's fascinating is that in their 38-year rivalry, neither the Bucks or the Pistons have ever swept the season series.

Another indication of the Bucks uphill climb in this playoff series. The Pistons won 64 games this season. Dating back to when the NBA playoffs expanded to 16 teams in 1984, only 2 out of 33 teams that won 60 or more games lost in the first round. George Karl's Sonics in 1994 to Denver and the 1995 Utah Jazz to eventual champion Houston. Both of those series were best-of-five. The Bucks had two 60-win teams that lost in their first round of playoff action in 1973 and 1981. But that was a different era when their first round was the conference semifinals and the opponents were terrific teams--Nate Thurmond and Golden State in '73 and a 62-win Sixers team in '81.

This is Detroit's second 60-win season in their franchise history. The Pistons won 63 in 1988-'89 and went on to win the title. The Bucks have had four 60-win seasons. They won 66 in the championship season of 1970-71, 63 and 60 the following two seasons and 60 in 1980-'81. It's my feeling that the Bucks' championship team remains an overlooked treasure in NBA history. That's not just being a local guy. The Bucks not only had 66 wins, they ripped off a 20-game winning streak that is unfortunately overshadowed by the Lakers' 33-game streak the following year.

There have been four occasions when the Bucks lost the first game of a playoff series and rallied to win the series. In 1972, the Bucks beat Golden State 4-1. In 1984, they regrouped to beat the Nets 4-2. In a 1986 classic, the Bucks nipped Dr. J and the Sixers 4-3 and in 1989 Del Harris' Bucks came back to beat Atlanta 3-2.

The Bucks will need the energy of their fans at the Bradley Center in Games 3 and 4. Through what I've seen first-hand over the years, a home crowd can make a real difference in the playoffs. Even the Pistons have admitted that they will play a little differently in Milwaukee. They made references that a Chauncey Billups pull-up 3 early in the shot clock is less risky when you're at home and they might not do that on the road. Still, it must be noted that the Pistons were 27-14 on the road this season, second best in the NBA to San Antonio. Also, this group of Pistons is 12-11 in road playoff games in the previous two seasons.

It's fun to see Charlie Bell performing so well in his first trip to the playoffs. He's earned it by taking the long way to the NBA. When Bell was playing overseas in his attempt to get back into the NBA, his college coach Tom Izzo of Michigan State would call him with encouragement. Izzo was at the Palace for Game 2 watching Charlie in person and beaming with pride.

It would be great to get Toni Kukoc back for the Milwaukee games. With 96 games of playoff experience, Toni has a wealth of knowledge of how to play in the postseason. His length would also add an obstacle for Tayshaun Prince.

Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this fall. He shares the Pistons record for most points against the Bucks in the series history. Dumars scored 42 against the Bucks in both 1991 and 1994. Dave Bing hit the Bucks for 42 in 1970.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame, it was interesting to see recently in the Boston Globe that Celtics Coach Doc Rivers was asked which player isn't in the Hall that deserves to be. His answer: former Bucks guard Sidney Moncrief. Unfortunately, Sidney's consistent excellence on both ends of the court was not rewarded with any attention-getting NBA titles.

Enjoy the playoffs and I hope to see you at the Bradley Center!

What a fun Saturday night for the Bucks and their fans. The sellout crowd was treated to a spectacular 40-point performance by Michael Redd. He was so good that he clearly shook the poise of the normally unflappable Richard Hamilton. Michael got some help. T.J. Ford played an intelligent and disciplined game, tossing out 15 assists. It was a major step forward for him in his first playoff victory.

The bench contributed 47 points. There was some question whether Mo Williams would even play because had re-injured his sore ankle. Play he did! 20 points on 9-of-10 shooting. The only shot he missed was a halfcourt heave at the end of a quarter. In his live postgame interview on the Bucks Radio Network, Mo said that the comments of TNT experts already placing the Pistons in the second round with a sweep fired him up. "You're a man first and you have to respond to that," Williams said.

Toni Kukoc's series debut was a solid success. Toni chipped in 10 points and 6 assists. When he fed Jamaal Magloire for a slam, Toni showed no ill effects from the back spasms. He jumped around and pumped his fist in perhaps his most animated display since joining the Bucks. That's leadership.

Jermaine Jackson is a consummate pro. When he's inactive for a game (like he was Saturday night), he keeps notes in a binder and offers insights to Bucks coaches and players. Looks to me like he has a future in coaching.

Sunday (April 30) marks the 35th anniversary of the Bucks winning the NBA title. They completed a 4-game sweep of the Bullets in Baltimore on April 30, 1971 with a 118-106 victory. Oscar Robertson led the way with 30 points and I can still hear Eddie Doucette's enthusiastic call: "The Milwaukee Bucks are the champions of the world! The Milwaukee Bucks are world champs!" How come we've all gotten older and Jon McGlocklin looks the same?

It's the kind of loss that keeps you up at night. The Bucks shot 55 percent and played with plenty of spirit Monday night at the Bradley Center. It still wasn't enough as the Pistons prevailed in Game 4, 109-99. Turnovers and missed free throws haunted the Bucks. 18 Bucks turnovers turned into 33 points for the Pistons. The Bucks also missed nine free throws.

The Bucks face a daunting task now that they're trailing 3 games to 1. The Pistons longest losing streak was two this season and they only lost four home games all season--one of them on the final night of the regular season when they rested their starters. But the Bucks just have to think about winning Wednesday night. They can't think about winning three in a row. Just somehow stay alive and push the series back to Milwaukee. They'll have to get on the plane to Michigan believing they can win. Let it all hang out and see what happens.

Marquette Coach Tom Crean was courtside Monday night. He was a Michigan State assistant when Charlie Bell played for the Spartans. Former Buck and Piston Michael Curry was also at Game 4. He now works for the NBA Players Association. I kidded him that he'll be the Commissioner before long. He has a bright future in whatever direction he decides to go.

I was doing the postgame radio show Monday night when I looked across the court at the Bradley Center. Minutes after a gut-wrenching loss and holding his press conference, Bucks Coach Terry Stotts was giving his time and total attention to two physically challenged youngsters. Their smiles were priceless. It says a great deal about Stotts to think of others in a moment of deep personal disappointment. Those kids will never forget it.

It will be an unusual start time for Wednesday evening but I hope you'll join us on the Bucks Radio Network on your drive home. Our pre-game show "Buck Shots" will hit the air at 4:40 p.m. with tip-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Central time. Hope to see you Monday night at the Bradley Center!

Killer instinct. The Pistons showed plenty of it Wednesday night at the Palace. The 122-93 loss for the Bucks was painful, yet instructive. The hope is that somewhere down the road it will be Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and the Bucks putting the lessons learned to use on the winning side. Detroit entered the playoffs as the team to beat in the NBA and I saw nothing to suggest otherwise in their 4-1 series victory over the Bucks. You can't go back and change the end of the regular season, but I couldn't help but think about that home loss to Atlanta that nudged the Bucks into the 8th playoff spot. The other three top seeds in the East (Miami, New Jersey and Cleveland) have shown vulnerabilities and I would have loved to have seen the Bucks get a chance to face one of those teams in the playoffs. There was a reason everybody wanted to avoid facing Detroit in the first round. The Bucks paid that price.

If adversity reveals character, the Bucks learned a great deal about Michael Redd in Game 5. His determined performance was a shining example of leadership. He drove into the tough Pistons defense time and time again, taking the physical beating to get to the line 13 times. He led the Bucks with 9 rebounds. He encouraged his teammates both by words and deeds. Even when the Bucks were down by 30, Redd played just as hard. I'm tired of people talking about what Michael Redd isn't or what he can't do. Appreciate what he is. He just completed one of the best individual seasons in Bucks history. Is he NBA All-Defensive team? No--but I shudder to think where the Bucks would be without him.

Bucks General Manager Larry Harris now faces some tough decisions in the off-season. The Bucks took some steps forward this year by winning 10 more games, getting to the playoffs and gaining playoff experience. But there's still plenty of work to do. Harris and the Bucks brain trust now must figure out how the Bucks can continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings. Redd and Bogut are the building blocks. T.J. Ford showed development late in the season and in the playoffs. Charlie Bell was an outstanding acquisition and his defensive mindset is critical. A healthy Mo Williams can make a big difference. The rest of the pieces and roles will need to be more clearly defined. Harris told us on the Bucks Radio Network Wednesday that his main priority in the off-season will be to try to get the Bucks roster "more athletic".

The end of the season always seems to come quickly. On behalf of Ted Davis, I'd like to thank all of our listeners and sponsors. The loyal Bucks fans who come to the Bradley Center and listen to the games make our jobs possible. It's been a privilege to be part of the radio broadcasts. Hopefully, we'll stay in touch on Bucks.com through the off-season and see you at the Bradley Center in October!

THE BEST:
My five favorite Bradley Center games from the 2005-'06 Bucks season that are still swirling around in my head...

November 12, 2005: The Bucks trailed the Pacers by 14 with 3:30 left and by 8 with :50 to play. With Reggie Miller retired, the Pacers coughed up the game by missing 16 free throws. Mo Williams drilled an unforgettable three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Bucks a 103-102 victory.

November 29, 2005: Andrew Bogut blocks Jason Terry's shot at the buzzer to preserve a 113-111 overtime victory over Dallas.

December 20, 2005: With only 0.7 seconds to work with, Terry Stotts draws up the perfect play and the Bucks execute it perfectly. Toni Kukoc lobs to Andrew Bogut for the basket and the Bucks beat the defending champion Spurs, 109-107 in overtime.

March 28, 2006: The Bucks bomb the visiting Phoenix Suns with a dose of their own medicine. The Bucks connect for a franchise-record 18 three-pointers, including an NBA-record 11 in the 3rd Quarter on the way to a 132-110 victory.

April 29, 2006: Michael Redd explodes for 40 points and T.J. Ford dishes out 15 assists as the Bucks rout the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of their playoff series, 124-104.

PLAYOFF THOUGHTS:
If Tim Thomas played consistently like he does in playoffs during a contract year, he'd be a Hall of Famer...

Former Tosa East and University of Wisconsin star Devin Harris has emerged in the playoffs. When Harris was in high school, the University of Iowa rebuffed recommendations from Wauwatosa, saying Harris was not Big 10 caliber. Oops!...

The Bucks and their fans knew about Raja Bell of the Suns before most. A then-unknown Bell played a key role off the bench for the Sixers in Game 7 of the 2001 Eastern Conference finals...

Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has forgotten more about basketball than I know. But I do know this--when it's the 4th quarter in the playoffs, I'd play Sam Cassell...

The vacant Sacramento Kings coaching job has attracted speculation involving plenty of names with Bucks ties.

Former Bucks head coaches Don Nelson and Terry Porter along with former Bucks assistant Don Newman (a former Sacramento State head coach now an assistant with the Spurs) have all gotten media play...

Former Bucks guard Ronald "Flip" Murray was an outstanding in-season acquisition by Cleveland. He filled in admirably for Larry Hughes both during the regular season and the playoff series against Detroit...

PARTING TRIVIA:
A recent airing on ESPN Classic might make this easy. Who called the play-by-play for CBS-TV in Game 6 of the 1974 NBA Finals when Kareem's legendary skyhook lifted the Bucks over the Celtics? Answer: Pat Summerall.

NEXT TIME:
We'll look ahead to the 2006 draft, set for June 28th. The Bucks have the 39th overall pick--a 2nd round choice acquired from Houston.

CONFERENCE FINALS NOTES:
After losing Game 1 at home to the Heat, it seems like a long time ago that the Pistons were being touted as a possible 70-win team. In one night at the Palace, they lost the home court advantage they worked so hard for. The Pistons have been a different and more vulnerable team since the second half of Game 2 against Cleveland. This Detroit team seems to like making life difficult for themselves and they're certainly capable of rebounding to win the series. Still, Miami seems to be peaking while the Pistons are sputtering.

Of the four teams left in the NBA playoffs, only Detroit has won an NBA title. Phoenix has gotten to the finals twice (1976 and 1993) but lost both times. Miami and Dallas have never advanced to the final series. Now that Dallas has dethroned the Spurs, look for other NBA teams to copy the Mavericks blueprint by trying to load up on quick, athletic and versatile swingmen. It has to be bittersweet for Don Nelson and Michael Finley to watch the Mavs succeed after their departures. They were instrumental in building that franchise back to respectability but now are spectators.

NBA LOTTERY SETS DRAFT ORDER:
Once again, the team with the worst record (Portland) loses out in the lottery. The Blazers dropped to 4th in the latest setback for a franchise in turmoil. Toronto, with only an 8.8 percent chance to win, jumped up to the top spot. It will be tempting for the Raptors to add 6'11" LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas to a front line which already features Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva. The Bulls got the second pick, which they acquired from the Knicks in the Eddy Curry deal. Tyrus Thomas of LSU, Gonzaga's Adam Morrison and Italy's Andrea Bargnani loom as possibilities. Charlotte landed the third pick. Three possible lottery picks with intruiging potential --Ronnie Brewer from Arkansas, Washington guard Brandon Roy and Bradley center project Patrick O'Bryant. Marquette's Steve Novak seems to be ticketed for a second round pick. He will have a nice NBA career because he can shoot, seemingly a lost art. He's also nearly flawless at the free throw line, a great asset in close games. It will be fun to see how things shake out in the weeks leading up to the draft.

BUCKS TRIVIA
Q: Who holds the Bucks record for most points in a playoff game?
A: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. No surprise. But it's remarkable that he scored 46 as a rookie against Philadelphia on April 3, 1970. The game was played in Madison because the Milwaukee Arena was booked.

PLAYOFF THOUGHTS:
Can the Pistons pull this one from the fire? They've said they enjoy pressure. Well, they've got it. Down 3-1 to Miami in the Eastern Conference finals. Detroit still has a pulse because Games 5 and 7 (if necessary) are at the Palace. During the regular season, the Pistons couldn't gush enough about Flip Saunders as they rolled to a franchise-record 64 wins. But I said then and I say again now. Playoff time is when they would miss Larry Brown. And they do. Joe Dumars has been rightfully lauded for his front-office work with the Pistons. Still, he must be sick to his stomach knowing that he passed over superstar Dwyane Wade for the already departed Darko Milicic in the 2003 draft. Truth be told, I never thought Wade would be this good, especially this soon. I don't think even Pat Riley did.

The Western Conference finals are a blast to watch. I love the offensive explosiveness of both the Mavericks and the Suns. Some coaches may cringe at the frequent lack of defense but I think most fans love the pace and offensive creativity. With "small ball" in fashion in this series, I wonder if one of its pioneers, Don Nelson, will get one more run with an NBA team looking for excitement--and wins.

SHORT-TIMERS WITH BUCKS:
On a bus ride to the Palace for a playoff game this year, Jim Paschke, Ted Davis and I got into a discussion about the players with the briefest tenures with the Bucks. To make this list, the player had to appear in at least one regular season with the Bucks. Training camp cuts don't count. Through the years, six players have appeared in only one game with the Bucks--but 13 players logged less than 10 minutes of action. Here they are, topped by a guy who didn't even get a chance to finish his "cup of coffee" with the team: