Boylan bringing "swag" back
Milwaukee is now 2-0 under interim head coach Jim Boylan, a former Bulls assistant, who replaced ex-Bulls head coach Scott Skiles during the 2007-08 season, just as he did for the Bucks this week.
Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings, who scored a game-high 35 points, talked about Milwaukees recent coaching change.
At first, it was tough for me, just the fact that Skiles was my coach my first four years in the league, he said. Of course, Boylans been here for the four years, too. But I know the first night, when we first had him, it was a little different looking on the sideline and Skiles wasnt there. But Coach Boylan, hes been here for four years, weve worked together in the summertime, so he knows my game and I know what to expect from him.
Continued Jennings: I felt like I can do what I want. Ive got my swagger now. I can clown around, dance, do what I want. I might end up changing my hair back again. I think just overall, the confidence that the team has. Everybodys playing with confidence. Guys are just playing free. Were not really thinking right now; were just hooping.
Block Party
Bucks center Larry Sanders, the leagues leading shot-blocker, rejected seven Bulls shots on the evening, part of Milwaukees 15 total swats.
NBA
Boylan said about the third-year big man: Larrys presence around the basket is intimidating. Guys go in there and theyre looking for him.
After an uneven first two seasons, Sanders, who previously played power forward and initially appears undersized for his current position, seems to have found his niche as a defensive-minded energy player with an emerging offensive game.
Robinson reflects on Payton
While discussing the possibility of his hometown, Seattle, again getting an NBA franchise, Bulls backup point guard Nate Robinson was asked about reports that Sonics legend Gary Payton was nominated for the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame class.
He should have been nominated. Him and Shawn Kemp, together, Robinson said. Theyre one player, together.
Robinson also reminisced about the Sonics loss to the Bulls in the 1996 NBA Finals.
At the same time I was sad, I was happy because I was a Michael Jordan fan. But to see my city in the championship, it was awesome. The city was going bonkers, he recounted. They gave them a run for their money. But Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, the guys here, they were rolling.