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Allen carries SuperSonics to third straight win

Jan 20, 2007 - 7:05 AM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Ray Allen and the Seattle SuperSonics might be turning things around.

Allen scored 21 points to lead five players in double figures as the SuperSonics posted a 99-72 victory over the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks.

Reserve Damien Wilkins scored 16 points and Nick Collison added in 13 and 16 rebounds for Seattle, which tied its season-high three-game winning streak after a season-worst six-game slide.

Collison has turned up his play over the last five games, averaging 20.4 points and 14.2 rebounds. He has recorded a double-double in four games during this stretch.

"It just means I'm playing well," Collison said. "I'm happy I'm playing well. It's good that I'm contributing and doing what I'm supposed to be doing."

"I can't explain how happy I am that he's playing like he's playing," Seattle coach Bob Hill said. "It's just one of those guys who deserves to play well. I thought he played well all over the floor."

The SuperSonics wasted little time taking control of the contest, jumping out to a 21-10 lead on Allen's 3-pointer with 4:50 remaining in the opening quarter.

"You want to try and throw a knockout punch in the first quarter if you can," Hill said. "We sent them a message."

In the second quarter, Allen drained a shot from the arc and Wilkins hit a 14-footer to help the SuperSonics extend their advantage to 45-22 with just under four minutes left.

The Sonics received a hugh boost from their reserves, outscoring the Bucks', 50-26.

"Andre Brown came in and did a good job, and Mike Wilks and Damien played well," Hill said.

Ruben Patterson scored 16 points and former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Bogut added 14 and seven rebounds for the Bucks, who shot just 33 percent (29-of-88) from the floor, including 1-of-14 on 3-pointers.

"We got off sluggish in transition then rebounds and transition kept us down," Patterson said. "I give them credit. They really wanted this game and they played well."

Milwaukee still remains without its starting backcourt of Michael Redd (left knee) and Mo Williams (left shoulder). The Bucks fell to 1-5 minus the duo in the lineup.

"Right now we are in a position to scrape and claw for everything," Milwaukee coach Terry Stotts said. "Our team is what we have right now and we have to compete and play good basketball. Everybody has to do their bit."