Tough break for young Bucks

The fact he had a breakout game, shooting 78 percent from the field, and sinking the eventual game-winner, shows, like the rest of his teammates, Eric Snow is determined to get to the NBA Finals. But the fact Snow dressed, let alone played on a badly sprained ankle, that happened to be fractured as well, says a lot about the type of person is.

Snow's performance aided his Sixers past the Bucks for the second game in a row and put the Sixers one game away from meeting the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Game Six could be a curtain call for the Bucks unless they show some serious maturity. With the Sixers playing more and more like a cohesive unit, the Bucks cannot afford to lose on their home floor.

I have no problem calling a spade a spade. The Bucks had the game won, for at least two and a half quarters. At one point, leading the Sixers by as many as 16 points. And then, poof - lead go bye-bye.

Is it possible the Bucks and Head Coach George Karl have been so hell bent on referees getting the right calls, that they forgot they had the lead?

In all actuality the Bucks beat themselves Wednesday night. They don't have a referee to blame, or any body to point their proverbial fingers at. The Bucks won the first quarter, as Ray Allen scored five quick points to jump-start the offense. In the second quarter the Sixers played with more intensity, but the Bucks still clearly had control of their own destiny.

The determining factor in this game in my opinion was foul trouble. The Bucks starters couldn't keep themselves out of foul trouble. Veteran Scott Williams started his fouling tab shortly after the tip-off in the first quarter, and finished with four personals. Ervin Johnson heard his name over the PA frequently and eventually fouled out. Sam Cassell ended the game with five fouls. The most damning, coming after Cassell was called for fouling Allen Iverson behind the three-point line.

Objecting vehemently, Cassell had some choice words for 19-year official Bennett Salvatore. Salvatore warned Cassell, before he hit him with the capital T, even attempting to hush Cassell by placing his finger over his lips. But Cassell seemed to think the bad call was more important than giving away a point.

Glenn Robinson, like Cassell is a veteran of this Bucks team. And like Cassell, he has the knowledge and understanding of the game to know when it is the right time to argue with the officials or leave well enough alone. He was ejected in Game Four for whining with too many expletives. In Game Five, he seemed to think it was ok to flagrant foul when you don't get the call you want.

Even Coach Karl could use an anger management course or two. In the post-game press conference a reporter asked Karl if lack of composure contributed to the Bucks losing the game. Karl flat out lost his, telling the reporter he was [hissed off] at questions such as that, then proceeded to storm off like a child put on punishment.

If the Bucks want to take this series to a Game Seven, they are going to have to stop the crying. I'm not saying they shouldn't stand up for what they believe in, but they lost a 16-point lead because they weren't getting the right calls. Milwaukee needs to take a few pointers from the team on the other side of the court.

As beat up physically as they are, if anyone should be crying for calls, you would think it would be the Sixers. Beat up or not they will be ready for tonight's climacteric Game Six at the Bradley Center.

Keys to victory are simple for Milwaukee, a but little more work for the Sixers.

The Bucks need to simply play the way they did in the first quarter of Game Five. Run the floor, and get the Big Three their open looks. Rebounding, especially on the offensive glass is extremely important for the Bucks. Keeping the front court and the Big Three out of foul trouble is another crucial element for an easy win tonight for the Bucks. But the most important thing the Bucks can do tonight while they are on that floor is maintaining their respective cool.

The Sixers should not have a problem winning tonight if they can follow these simple keys to victory.

Rebounding is essential, but Philly hasn't showed any problems grabbing boards so I won't stress the issue. Controlling the tempo is another animal altogether. The Sixers need to jump out floodgates early and control the pace of the game. Attacking the paint wouldn't hurt. The Bucks have been jittery when any Sixers get past the dots. Make Milwaukee pay in the paint, or hurt their pride at the line. A serious issue is ball handling. The Sixers cannot afford to turn the ball over as much as they did in Game Five.

Prediction: Last game I thought Allen Iverson needed a little help, and Allen did need help, which he received with change to spare. Tonight I feel ole' Bubba Chuck might go for 64 points. Larry Brown has his troops fired up to seek and destroy, regardless of injuries. Philly hurt Milwaukee's feelings in Game Four, with that Iverson/Mutumbo charged victory. Now they go for the jugular. I'm going with the Sixers convincingly.