Milwaukee won a big road game at Cleveland tonight, 111-107. Michael Redd and Lebron James posted nearly identical stat lines, as each star scored 34 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Lebron had 7 assists to Redd's 6, but Redd also posted 3 steals and 2 blocks. The Bucks' first victory away from the Bradley Center moved them over .500 for the first time this year.
If the season ended today, Milwaukee would be in the playoffs. And Yi Jianlian could very well be the Rookie of the Year. Yi is averaging about 10 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.75 blocks. Sure, Kevin Durant is averaging 19 points (on 37% shooting), but Yi fills out a fuller stat line and plays for a "good" (allow me the early optimism) team. Both players will contend for most dunks allowed. Durant's other claim to fame? He's the only rookie besides teammate Jeff Green who has already lost 10 games.
Meanwhile, if we continue with the ramifications of extrapolation, Yi and Durant will contend for most times getting dunked on. At season's end the Bucks will finish with an NBA best ever 41-0 at home. (Until beating Cleveland tonight, the Bucks were in contention for a worst ever 0-41 away record.)
Yi won't have to beat out Greg Oden for top rookie honors. The tragic news of Oden's season-ending microfacture surgery was offset somewhat by Portland's unexpectedly strong 4-3 start, but a four-game losing streak has since dampened the Blazers' spirits.
