Bucks passing chemistry test Skiles likes what he sees News Milwaukee Bucks

Orlando, Fla. - Milwaukee Bucks coach Scott Skiles was curious to see how his team would respond.

The Bucks had lost three straight games and were preparing to take on the New York Knicks last week at the Bradley Center when Skiles was asked about the mood of his team. Would his players be able to set aside the three losses and put forth a strong performance against the Knicks?

Skiles' response was typically forthright.

"I don't know this group well enough after 13 games," he said. "We just have to wait and see. This is another example of a game where you find out about that. Are we able to get angry that we lost three in a row and come out and put that behind us? This is where you learn about people."

As it turned out, the Bucks defeated New York but Skiles' point was well-taken. Even after being together for a month during the exhibition season and now for almost a month into the regular season, this team is still getting acquainted.

With several new players on the roster and a new coaching staff, there is a familiarity factor when trying to evaluate where this team is at right now.

The Bucks players and coaches are still getting to know each other, on and off the court, and they are hoping to use this week's trip to further develop team chemistry.

"There are going to be different stretches in the season that are going to tell a lot about this team," said forward Richard Jefferson. "I think the way we played the last two weeks has shown a little bit. We're still trying to get healthy. Even if we struggle on this trip, it's not very indicative of what our team is because we're still playing at half-strength.

"I think (this trip) helps the team kind of get together. You're out with each other spending time with each other and it gives you a little togetherness."

The Bucks opened their four-game trip by grinding out a victory over Charlotte on Saturday night and will play the Orlando Magic tonight.

The Bucks will travel on to Atlanta and Detroit later in the week.

"I'm pleased with the way the guys have taken to each other considering the fact that we have a whole new way of doing things," Skiles said. "They've been very good and made efforts to get along and to respect the fact that we need good chemistry in order to win games."

While the Bucks are still learning about each other, they have offered some glimpse of what kind of team they could be this season.

They might be a decent road team; the victory at Charlotte was already the Bucks fourth away from home. The Bucks won seven road games last season.

The victory in Charlotte gave the Bucks a 4-3 record in the second game of back-to-back situations.

Also, the Bucks have been a far better rebounding team than anyone imagined.

Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva have bolstered an area that was an anticipated weakness - bench scoring.

Charlie Bell should offer further help after he goes back to the bench when Michael Redd returns from injury.

A very rugged road lies ahead for the Bucks this week. But beyond how the victories and defeats play out, if the trip helps to enhance team chemistry and familiarity, that could pay big dividends in the long run.

"This is a trip where we can find out a little more about ourselves," said Skiles.