2-6 Milwaukee 116 Orlando 111

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Milwaukee 116 Orlando 111

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The Milwaukee Bucks had hoped to have Michael Redd back in the lineup Tuesday, but they'll again be without their leading scorer as they try to snap a four-game losing streak in a matchup with the struggling Orlando Magic.

Redd, who averages 27.7 points per game, has missed the last 15 contests with a strained patellar tendon in his left knee.

Without the swingman, the Bucks (18-30) have gone 2-13. They're in last place in the Central Division, 11 games behind first-place Detroit.

The Bucks had hoped Redd could play against Orlando after returning to practice Monday, but coach Terry Stotts said after the session that Redd wouldn't be available.

NBA

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MILWAUKEE, Feb. 6 (AP) -- Ruben Patterson thinks he's more of a young guy than a veteran leader.

But with his best friend, Michael Redd, still watching from the sideline, Patterson scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Orlando Magic 116-111 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

"I was just trying to be aggressive,'' said Patterson, an eight-year veteran who is playing for a new contract, either with Milwaukee or elsewhere after coming over from Denver in the offseason in a deal for Joe Smith. "I'm just having fun, man. You know, 31 is still young. I'm still young. I've got fresh legs.''

NBA

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The Milwaukee Bucks got it right this time.

Last week, the Bucks lost by 30 points to the Miami Heat in Miami and then failed to avenge that defeat by losing again to the Heat on Saturday at the Bradley Center. The Bucks also lost in Orlando last week but this time succeeded in gaining some payback by defeating the Magic, 116-111, Tuesday night at home.

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Post Game Audio

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ON THE COURT
Play of the game: Bucks forward Ruben Patterson scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and came up with a couple of key defensive plays down the stretch.

Play of the game: Patterson turned a steal into a four-point play and a 106-96 Bucks' lead with 3 minutes 33 seconds left. After coming up with the steal, Patterson drove to the hoop and was fouled hard by Orlando's Hedo Turkoglu. It was ruled a flagrant foul so Patterson got two free throws - he made both - and the Bucks retained possession. Mo Williams missed a jumper but Patterson dunked home the rebound.

Statistics sheet: In the first half, the Bucks made 22 of 35 shots (62.9%) and Orlando made 25 of 41 (61.0%).

Off the bench: Backup guard Earl Boykins provided the Bucks with a spark off the bench, finishing with 24 points.

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MILWAUKEE -- The Orlando Magic bundled up and trudged slowly outdoors Tuesday night to their waiting bus. There was no defense against the bitter, frigid elements, just as there was none against the Milwaukee Bucks, who beat them 116-111 at the Bradley Center.

The temperature in this winter wonderland was 3 degrees below sanity.

The Magic were out in the cold.

They fear it might not be a metaphor. They began talking about making the playoffs for the first time since 2003 in training camp in October. Now the Magic are heading toward a chilly place -- possibly falling out of the Eastern Conference postseason race -- until they warm to the task of winning basketball games.

Orlando Sentinel