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Nuggets look to bounce back against Bucks

Feb 23, 2008 - 2:44 PM Denver (33-21) at Milwaukee (20-35) 8:30 pm EST

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) - The Denver Nuggets try to bounce back from arguably their worst loss of the season on Saturday when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite a career-high 43 points from J.R. Smith, the Nuggets suffered a dismal 135-121 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday - their second straight loss on the road.

Denver, which is just 11-15 on the road this season, allowed the Bulls to hit 57 percent of their shots - the second highest percentage the Nuggets have allowed this season - while surrendering 135 points for the first time since a 137-115 loss to the Phoenix Suns on January 7.

Its no secret that the Nuggets struggle on defense, surrendering nearly 105 points per game this season - fifth worst in the NBA - but they are even worse on the road, allowing 109 points and have held only five of 26 opponents to under 100 points away from home.

The Bucks endured an ugly 127-100 setback to the Detroit Pistons on Friday, picking up their fifth loss in the last six games.

Milwaukee will have a hard time getting back on track against Denver, which has won four straight at the Bradley Center, including a 125-105 drubbing there on December 26 - the Nuggets best offensive game of the season.