Stack Gets Physical 04.12.10 - 02:15pm

The Milwaukee Bucks lost a potential first-round playoff match-up, 105-90, to the Boston Celtics Saturday night, but Jerry Stackhouse was all systems go.

Stack connected for 12 points, tying a game-high among bench players, and grabbed three boards.

If in fact the Bucks are able to clinch the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs, their first-round series with the Celts could be a physical one if it resembles Saturday’s match-up. As Stack told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"It was just a physical game," said Milwaukee’s Jerry Stackhouse. "We had some opportunities but we didn’t take advantage. Maybe it was just fatigue. But they played last night, too. Everybody is at the same point of the season. We just have to try and muster up the energy it takes to win. We want to go in on a good note."

Tom Enlund of the MJS explained the conflict between the two teams:

"It began when Milwaukee’s Kurt Thomas was called for a flagrant foul on Boston’s Glen Davis and Davis then received a technical for going after Thomas. Seconds later, Stackhouse fouled Pierce, both got tangled on the floor, and technicals were called on both. Skiles entered the fray and was whistled for his double technical and was shown the door."

The heated emotions between the two teams could boil over into a potential playoff series if all holds up as it is right now. But the Bucks aren’t guaranteed to be matched up with the Celtics.

They could instead play the Atlanta Hawks, who they host tonight in their final regular season home game this season. Atlanta is just one game ahead of Boston for the No. 3 seed. Likewise the Bucks aren't locked into the No. 5 seed and remain tied with the Miami Heat with matching 45-35 records.

One thing is certain though, whether it's tonight against Atlanta or Wednesday when they close the regular season in Boston, Bucks fans will get a playoff preview this week.
 

NEXT UP

With just two games left on the schedule, Monday’s game versus the Atlanta Hawks could turn into a must win if the Bucks want to take the No. 5 seed.

In two games versus the Hawks this season, Stack is averaging 13.5 points and three rebounds per contest. Stack will work to continue his success tonight at 7:00 CST when the Hawks and Bucks meet at the Bradley Center. All the action can be seen on FSN Wisconsin.
 

RELATED STORIES

Bucks Are Money In Philadelphia (Brew Hoop, April 10, 2010)
http://www.brewhoop.com/2010/4/10/1414054/bucks-are-money-in-philadelphia-a
Bucks fall in possible playoff preview (MJS, April 10, 2010)
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/90544134.html