Since returning from the Sonics Development League affiliate, the Idaho Stampede, Mickael Gelabale's play has been uneven.
He's scored double digits four times, including a career-high 21 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 24. But he's also had games where he's been nonexistent and had little impact on the outcome of a contest. Part of the reason for Gelabale's struggles is his lack of assertiveness on the floor. Gelabale seems to settle for jump shots and let defenders push him away from the basket and instead of using his athleticism to attack the rim and get higher percentage shots.
Seattle coach P.J. Carlesimo said that's part of the learning process for the 6-foot-7 swingman, and that he expects him to get better in the next 20 or so games.
"I just think it's hard for him game to game," Carlesimo said. "I mean it's valid, and you have to talk about it. But I think he's got to play a couple more, and we've got to look at this trip when we get back home and say, 'All right, here's how he did.' But young guys are going to be like this."
BUCKS 118, SONICS 106: Seattle trailed only 20-18 midway through the first quarter, but the Bucks finished the quarter on a 19-6 run and seized control of the game with a 39-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. Charlie Villanueva scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Milwaukee.
