Monta Ellis flings this off-balance 3-pointer toward the rim with time winding down – technically, Ellis hoists it off one foot – and as the ball floats in the air, the horn sounds, and everyone’s thinking overtime. But then the ball toilet-bowls around the rim, and drops. Game-winner. Bucks 110, Rockets 107.

It was an odd ending – sort of like when you’re bowling and it looks like an impressive strike but the 9th and 10th pins fall ungracefully in an “I’ll-take-it” manner instead of “yeah!”

Ellis, who is starting to look like Milwaukee’s new point guard, scored 27 points and had 13 assists. The Bucks remain 8th in the East, 1.5 games behind the Celtics. Eighth is the worst spot possible, but if they’re able to move up to 6th or 7th, could the Bucks throw a scare into Indiana or New York in the first round? They’ve got the NBA’s leading shot blocker (Larry Sanders 3.1 bpg), and Ellis is 3rd in the league in steals (2.0 spg). Role players? Check (Redick). Check (Ilyasova). Check (Dunleavy).

Petulant Brandon Jennings could actually be the key.