Bucks fans show their loyalty, enthusiasm

MILWAUKEE - A gloomy, chilly and rainy December night didn't deter folks from getting their first taste of NBA basketball for the season. A crowd estimated at around 3,500 showed up for the Bucks' free scrimmage at the Bradley Center and any lingering animosity over the 149-day lockout seemed to be forgotten for the moment. "It warms our hearts, I can tell you that," said Bucks vice president of business operations, John Steinmiller. "Everybody's been excited. Our staff has worked hard all summer to keep their enthusiasm up and when we see people here on a night like this, it's great. "It's encouraging to us." Ron Kurtz of Oak Creek, a partial season-ticket holder, was seated a few rows from the court for the action. He had no issues with the lockout and is just happy to see basketball back, even if it's a few weeks later than normal. "The players had to do what they had to do and the owners had to do what they had to do," Kurtz said. "Hopefully, this will help the small market...