The Bratwurst - Milwaukee Bucks Blog

I don’t even want to talk about how the Bucks collapsed in the fourth quarter against both Washington and Cleveland.

I don’t even want to talk about Lebron James was held to only eight points.

I don’t even want to talk about it looked like the Bucks were quickly going to become one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference.

I don’t event want to to think about Michael Redd is out for four-to-six weeks.

I don’t even want to think about Charlie Villanueva is struggling through his own injuries.

I don’t even want to think about how Mo Williams was playing well and is now out two-to-three weeks.

I don’t even want to talk about how the Bucks are currently down four starters from their starting lineup from the beginning of the year.

I don’t even want to talk about how I have tickets to the Bucks vs Raptors game tonigt, which was supposed to be a game where Michael Redd and company stomped on T.J. Ford and his new team.

I want to talk about Andrew Bogut.  He has to put the team on his shoulders now and drop in a 30-point game or two.  Teams are going to have an easier time locking down Charlie and Ruben, not Andrew.

Steve Blake, you need to step up.

Terry Stotts is staying with what has brought him success and is keeping Michael Redd and Brian Skinner in the starting forward spots, while running Charlie Bell at shooting guard.

I think this is an excellent choice, albeit a no-brainer.  Charlie Villanueva has yet to find his touch after coming back from his injury. 

Ruben Patterson has been absolutely excellent off of the bench and is one of those short burst, high energy players that isn’t exactly suited for starting and playing the entire first quarter.  He’s a game changer when he comes off the bench.

As evidence of my previous point, in the Cleveland game last week the Bucks were out of the game in the 3rd quarter.  Down by well over 10, but did Ruben quit?  No.  His tenacity on the offensive boards helped change the game and give the Bucks a chance come the fourth quarter.  He did this all without Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd on the court.

Ruben Patterson may be one of the best non-starters in the NBA.