By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Dec 12, 2007 at 4:07 PM

It hasn't been an easy couple of weeks for the Bucks, who follow up a tough West Coast trip with a daunting game against Orlando tonight at the Bradley Center.

General manager Larry Harris sent the following e-mail to season ticketholders:

"We've certainly been on a roller coaster through the first 20 games of the season. There are mixed emotions on my behalf. I'm not sure I could have been more pleased with our 7-4 start, highlighted by impressive wins against Cleveland, the Lakers and Dallas in consecutive games. We won our first six home games, and still sit 6-2, which matches our best Bradley Center start since 1992. For a young team trying to establish an identity, it was a near ideal start and one that we need to remember was part of the first quarter of our regular season. It reinforces the potential that this team has, and provides specific examples of how good we can be.

"Unfortunately, we have also experienced frustration during this first stretch of the season. We have admittedly struggled of late. Over our last 9 games, we have won only once and that is disappointing for sure. We simply have to figure out how to close games better - we have had very legitimate opportunities to win at least five of these games.

"I'll quickly summarize where we were in the fourth quarter (or overtime) of the five games: down 4 points to Atlanta with 8:42 left; up 1 point vs New York with 2:43 left; down 5 points to Seattle with 4:24 left; up 5 points vs Portland with 2:30 left in regulation and overtime; tied with Sacramento with 1:09 left. The reality is we didn't get the job done, and to be successful we must. But, it also tells me that we're not too far from converting these losses into wins.

"We'll get there. We have a deep, talented roster that will pay dividends during the long NBA season. I think we've improved defensively, but need to be more consistent. We need to maintain a rhythm offensively, which at times has been terrific. There is more than enough to remain positive about, so let's get going with the next 20 games. It starts tonight against a very good Orlando team.

"Thank you very much for your support to date...we can't do it without you! We'll talk again in late January.

"Happy Holidays! The best to you and your family and safe travel during this wonderful time of year."