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Memphis look to fix defense vs. Bucks

Nov 14, 2008 - 11:27 AM Milwaukee (4-5) at Memphis (3-6) 8:00 p.m. EST

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Memphis Grizzlies' poor defensive streak appeared to hit rock bottom in Wednesday's 132-103 loss to the New York Knicks.

They will look to improve on that end of the floor and snap a three-game losing streak when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

After going 2-2 while holding its first four opponents under 100 points, Memphis is 1-4 since and averaging 108.4 points allowed during that stretch.

The poor defensive effort may have peaked against the Knicks as they allowed New York to sink a franchise-record 19 3-pointers and shoot 59 percent from field en route to an NBA single-game season high 132 points.

Rookie O.J. Mayo had scored at least 20 points in four straight games before being limited to 17 against New York. He leads the Grizzlies at 20.6 points a game while Rudy Gay is right behind him at 20.

The Bucks ended a three-game losing streak of their own without All-Star Michael Redd, topping the San Antonio Spurs, 82-78, on Wednesday.

Redd missed his fifth straight game with a high right ankle sprain, but Andrew Bogut recorded his first double-double in three games with 10 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Bucks past the shorthanded Spurs, who are without Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Bogut is averaging a 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Richard Jefferson has dropped over 20 points a game since Redd's injury.