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Bucks, Pacers close out disappointing seasons

Apr 14, 2009 - 5:48 PM By Anthony Giornalista Stats Writer

Milwaukee (34-47) at Indiana (35-46), 8 p.m. EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Troy Murphy setting a single-season franchise record for double-doubles wasn't enough to get the Indiana Pacers into the playoffs, though it's a big reason they can be optimistic heading into next season.

Murphy seeks his sixth double-double in eight games and the Pacers look to cap their strong finish to the season with a ninth straight home win over the Milwaukee Bucks as the lottery-bound teams meet Wednesday night.

Murphy has been a bright spot during a lost season for Indiana (35-46), which will miss the postseason for the third straight year.

The veteran big man had 17 points and 13 rebounds -- his fifth double-double in seven games since missing three with a knee injury -- on Monday night in a 117-109 loss to Cleveland. He set a Pacers record with his 48th double-double of the season as he passed Clark Kellogg, who set the previous mark in the 1982-83 season.

Murphy is averaging 14.3 points while setting career highs with 11.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 45.0 percent shooting from 3-point range. Murphy and All-Star Danny Granger have helped the Pacers win seven of their last 11 games while giving the team reason for hope next season.

"Troy's had a great year for us," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said. "Anytime you put that many double-doubles on the board, it's a great year."

Murphy had a double-double in Indiana's last matchup with Milwaukee (34-47) at Conseco Fieldhouse, posting 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds as the Pacers won 107-99 for their eighth straight home win in the series.

The Pacers outrebounded the Bucks 42-31 en route to their 33rd win in their last 41 home games versus Milwaukee, which last won at Indiana 89-86 on Dec. 7, 2004.

The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine road games overall, allowing 103.2 points per game. Now they'll face a Pacers team that has played particularly well offensively over their last eight games, averaging 116.5 points and shooting 49.7 percent from the field.

"This year, it's a little different," Murphy said. "We are enjoying each other, working together and looking forward to a high level of competition for next year."

Granger is capping off the best season of his career with a hot streak, averaging 31.0 points in his last nine contests. He's scored 26 points or more in three straight home games against the Bucks.

Milwaukee didn't have to contend with Orlando All-Star Dwight Howard in its last game, winning 98-90 on Monday night. Howard is resting for the playoffs.

The Bucks have won two straight after a 1-9 slump ended their playoff hopes.

"Nobody should be given a medal just because we don't bail out on the season," coach Scott Skiles said. "The judgments are made when we really had big games."

Milwaukee expected improvement this season, but season-ending injuries to guard Michael Redd (knee) and center Andrew Bogut (back) were too much to overcome. The Bucks will miss the postseason for the third straight year.

Richard Jefferson tried to pick up the scoring slack in his first season with Milwaukee, leading the team with 19.5 points per game - 26.1 in his last eight contests. He had 32 points in the last matchup with the Pacers, a 122-110 Bucks win Feb. 11.

Milwaukee leads the season series 2-1.