PLAY OF THE GAME: With the Bucks trailing by two, Bucks forward Richard Jefferson drove the lane but his shot was rejected by Shawn Marion. That led to two free throws by Cook and a 99-95 lead with 21.2 seconds left..

STATISTICS SHEET: Miami made its first 8 three-point shots before rookie forward Michael Beasley missed one from in front of the Miami bench with 6:11 left in the second quarter. Miami was 8 for 12 from beyond the arc in the first half.

OFF THE BENCH: Bucks coach Scott Skiles praised the play of rookie forward Joe Alexander, who played 8 minutes in the fourth quarter and 20 in the game. "He really picked us up," said Skiles. "He's one of the reasons we were able to come back and have a tie score at halftime. He was good."

UP NEXT

TEAMS: Milwaukee Bucks (19-22) vs. Sacramento Kings (9-30). WHEN: 9 p.m. Friday.

WHERE: Arco Arena.

BROADCASTS: TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

NOTEBOOK

RUMOR MILL: The league's Feb. 19 trade deadline is still a few weeks away, but already the rumor mill is heating up. Skiles said he thought most players knew how to handle the rumors so that they didn't become a distraction.

"Hopefully they know that most of that is just you guys making stuff up," Skiles deadpanned while talking to reporters before the game. "But (distractions) can happen, especially with younger players. I think generally, most veterans have played on other teams anyway so they understand the business. But this is the time of year from now until Feb. 19, there's something in the media every day about various players and various teams. Most teams go through that."

One of the more prominent rumors these days is the one involving Ramon Sessions and Alexander of the Bucks and guard Mike Conley of Memphis. If Bucks general manager John Hammond does make a deal, Sessions and/or Charlie Villanueva would be the most likely Bucks to be involved due to the nature of their contracts.

"Every team in the league is trying to get better at all times, otherwise you're not doing your job," said Skiles. "We like our team. I like our guys The guys have worked hard and I think they'll continue to do so and will continue to get better. But at the same time John's doing what GMs do - trying to improve the team."

STILL SIDELINED: Bucks guard Charlie Bell sat out his second straight game because of soreness in his right ankle. Skiles said that Bell probably would be available for the Western trip that begins Friday in Sacramento.

JUST WONDERING: With several media members from Miami in town for the game, Skiles faced more reporters than usual for his pregame press conference.

"Did I get fired?" he asked.

Tom Enlund

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