Bucks Backcourt Beats Suns 109-105

The Milwaukee Bucks have fired head coach Jason Kidd after three-and-a-half seasons.  General Manager Jon Horst gave Kidd credit for leading his team to a dramatic turnaround in his first season, but the Bucks are perceived to be under-achievers on the way to a 24-22 record this year, good for seventh place in the N-B-A Eastern Division.  Assistant Joe Prunty will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season.  He won his first game in charge Monday night against Phoenix, as Milwaukee guards Khris Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon did the scoring and played more than a little defense Monday night in a 109-105 victory.  It was Milwaukee’s first game without fired head coach Jason Kidd and second straight game with All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined.  Middleton scored 35 points and Brogdon made a critical steal with 40 seconds left, passing to Middleton for a jump shot from the corner and a 105-100 lead.  Brogdon scored 32.  Former Buck center Greg Monroe had 19 points for the Suns.  Milwaukee takes a few days off, then hosts the Brooklyn Nets Friday.