Just two years ago, a game between the Bucks and Sacramento Kings could be billed as a matchup between two of the up-and-coming teams in the NBA. Today, it's a mismatch of two teams going in different directions.

The Kings were 26-9 after blowing out the Bucks at the Bradley Center Tuesday night. The Bucks slipped to 14-20.

Why have these teams gone in such different directions? Bucks apologists would likely cite injuries. Indeed Milwaukee played Tuesday night without point guard Sam Cassell and Toni Kukoc.

But, the Kings were without Bobby Jackson, who averages only a point less than Cassell, Scot Pollard, a defensive enforcer, and Brent Price. Earlier in the season, point guard Mike Bibby missed something like 20 games. Chris Webber played Tuesday for the first time in three games, after suffering a knee bone bruise, and lit up the Bucks for 18 points and 13 rebounds. So, injuries are an excuse, not a reason.

Bucks coach George Karl said the Kings play like "they are on a mission." The Bucks too often play like they should be in the local Mission.

Sacramento plays team basketball. The Kings pass the ball, take good percentage shots and play defense.

The Bucks too often play 1-on-1 basketball, take poor percentage shots and play matador defense. The result Tuesday was a 50% shooting percentage for the Kings, compared to 37.2% for the Bucks. At one point early in the game, Sacramento had outscored Milwaukee in the paint, 20-4. The bottom line was a 101-76 win, and those widely different records mentioned earlier.

Ultimately, in the last two years, the Kings have continued to mature, grow and improve as a basketball team. The Bucks have continued to be selfish head cases and have gone in reverse. The trends have turned a once exciting matchup into a mismatch.

This writer has always respected and liked George Karl a great deal, but who gave him the lobotomy? The George Karl I knew would be ranting and raving at courtside, ripping on his players and showing a passion for the competition.

The George Karl of this season is passive at courtside, measured in the post-game press conferences and seems to lack the passion that has made him one of the top coaches in the NBA for years.

Maybe the controversy over some of his comments the last two seasons have toned him down. Maybe people above him in the Bucks organization have told him to tone it down.

But, I miss the George Karl I once knew, and believe the Bucks do too.

Ulice Payne continued to shake up the business operations of the Brewers. The latest moves included the firing of Scott Jenkins, who was in charge of operations at Miller Park.

Most people I have talked to believe Jenkins took the fall for the defective operations of the roof at the park. The truth is that Jenkins, like the managers of the Brewers in recent years, had to work with what he was given. The problems with the roof were due to design flaws, before Jenkins ever took over operations of the park.

Payne's moves so far have likely been necessary. But, until GM Doug Melvin starts making some moves that excite fans, the Brewers are heading for another dismal season at the box office and in the standings. New VPs won't win games and bring fans into Miller Park. Only new players who actually have some credentials will.

The Bucks will try to get it back together when they host the Bulls at 7:30 p.m. at the Bradley Center this Friday. In case, you haven't looked at the NBA standings recently, the Bulls are creeping very close to over-taking the Bucks.

Milwaukee's one consistent pro winner, the Wave, will host Harrisburg at 1:05 p.m. Saturday at the BC, after traveling to Kansas City Friday night. The Wave brings a 13-5 record into the weekend action and is in first place.

Veteran goalie Victor Nogueira earned the MISL Defensive Player of the Week honor for the fourth time this season. Nogueira, who might play until he is eligible for Social Security, leads MISL with a 7.77 points against average.

The Admirals are in the midst of four games against division leaders. After games at Hamilton on Friday and Saturday, they host the Western Division leading Houston Aeros at the BC Sunday at 5:12 p.m.

If you're into men's college hoops, Marquette will try to hang on to its Top 25 rating against South Florida at 8 p.m. Saturday at the BC. UWM hosts Youngtown State at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Klotsche Center. UW is at Illinois in a ESPN Regional game.

After last week's ugly loss, you won't be able to watch the Packers in the playoffs, but judging by the 49ers and Steelers games last week you might see some exciting football matchups on the tube.