INQUIRER Sports

MILWAUKEE -- Australian Andrew Bogut's return to the Milwaukee starting lineup paid immediate dividends Monday as he scored 18 points in a 97-91 win over Washington.

Bogut, who missed four consecutive National Basketball Association games with back problems before seeing limited minutes in a loss to Minnesota on the weekend, posted his 16th double-double by adding 10 rebounds for the Bucks on Monday.

"When you play, you're all the way back," Bogut said. "There are no excuses. I can sit here and say, 'My back's sore,' which it is. It's still hurting a little bit."

Bogut, of Melbourne, started off fast for Milwaukee, collecting eight points and five rebounds in the opening quarter.

Bogut's health would be key for Milwaukee's playoff positioning as it nears the midway point of the NBA season. The Bucks (19-21) are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, 1/2-games ahead of idle Philadelphia (17-20).

"I have some problems to sort through," Bogut said. "If you're suiting up, you're playing."

"I'm still working to get my back better and stronger, and hopefully, it will be better in the morning."