Gametime: Grizzlies vs. Bucks - December 19, 2012

Gametime

The Milwaukee Bucks started the season 6-2, the best start since the 2001-02 season. Due to player injuries, however, the team finished the month of November 1-5. Before a loss to the LA Clippers on Dec. 15, the Bucks won four straight, the team’s longest winning streak since winning six from March 9-20. During the four game run, the Bucks were holding opponents to just .403 percent from the floor. The team won on the road in Brooklyn with an all-star performance from Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis has finally found his groove in the Bucks offense. Milwaukee center Larry Sanders is tied for first in the league for blocks per game, averaging 3.0. Memphis has won four straight against the Bucks, including a 108-90 victory earlier this year on Nov. 7 at Milwaukee. The Grizzlies last home loss against the Bucks was on Nov. 21, 2009 (98-103).

Averaging a season high in points (13.8), three-point shooting (.436) and steals (2.4), Mike Conley has helped Memphis to their best start in franchise history. The Grizzlies floor general shot .531 from the field and .468 from three-point range (22-of-47 3FG) during the month of November, making him the only qualified NBA guard to reach those percentages during the month. For the Bucks, Brandon Jennings is averaging a career high in assists (6.0) and steals (2.4). Jennings and Conley rank second and third, respectively, in the league for steals per game, creating opportunities for their teammates. The game could be decided by the play of these top-caliber point guards in the final matchup between Memphis and Milwaukee.