Milwaukee Bucks Team Report - December 17

(Basketball News) - The Milwaukee Bucks lost their third game in a row on Thursday, as they fell to the Chicago Bulls, 85-77, at the United Center.

Michael Redd had 22 points for the Bucks, who have lost three straight. Desmond Mason added 15 points and Joe Smith tallied 12 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which has dropped seven of nine and 13 of its last 16.

Trailing 63-61 with two minutes gone in the fourth quarter, the Bulls went on their game-clinching run. Kirk Hinrich started the burst with a basket at the 9:48 mark and a pair of Tyson Chandler free throws with 3:29 left ended it, giving Chicago an 82-65 cushion.

Milwaukee later drew within eight a couple of times, but it was too little too late.

Prior to Thursday’s game, Milwaukee placed guard Erick Strickland on the injured list with a lateral meniscus tear of the right knee. He will miss a minimum of two weeks.

Smith has scored in double digits in three straight games and has registered four double-doubles this season. He is averaging 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in his last three contests.

The Bucks are off until Saturday when they host the Philadelphia 76ers. This will be the second meeting of the season between the squads. On December 12, the Sixers knocked off the Bucks, 107-101, at the Wachovia Center.