Notebook | Sonics learning chemistry

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Coach Bob Hill threw up a big red flag before Monday's game against New Jersey when he said the Sonics weren't as cohesive as he had hoped.

"We don't have the balance we need yet with regards to the chemistry and harmony on the team and that's a concern," he said. "We need to get there, especially with Robert [Swift] gone even longer. We're close, it's good, but it's not what it used to be."

When asked if there was anything he could do to improve the chemistry, Hill said: "Usually winning helps that."

After Seattle's 119-116 victory, Hill and several players spoke glowingly about their three-game winning streak and its resolve after four narrow defeats, including last-second defeats at Orlando and Miami.

"Even when we were losing, nobody was really pointing a finger at anybody," Rashard Lewis said. "We lost as a unit because we felt like we were giving up the games in the fourth quarter. To be honest, the chemistry started before training camp when we had over 15 guys in the gym working out. We built the chemistry working out on our own.

"On this trip, we come out 3-2 and we're .500 on the road that's always a positive because it's hard to go into other people's buildings and win games. It made it a successful trip. We've been on the road for so long, this is like our family and we got to take care of each other on the road. So we're good. Our chemistry has gotten better."

Wilcox snubbed

When he signed his incentive-laden $24 million contract before the season, Chris Wilcox said one of his goals is to play in the All-Star Game for the Sonics.

He'll probably have to wait at least another season, however. The Sonics forward wasn't among the 120 players that included Seattle's Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis and Luke Ridnour listed on the All-Star ballots that were released Monday when balloting began.

Wilcox's contract has roughly $1 million in All-Star incentives.

Entering Monday's games, he averaged 9.1 rebounds, which was eighth among Western Conference forwards. His pedestrian 11.0 scoring average is 24th among West forwards.

A panel of media members who cover the NBA chose 24 guards, 24 forwards and 12 centers from each conference.

The paper balloting ends Jan. 15 and the online polls end Jan. 21. The starters for each conference will be announced Jan. 25 and head coaches will determine the remaining All-Stars. The entire team will be unveiled Feb. 1 for the Feb. 18 game that will be played in Las Vegas.

Note

• F Danny Fortson felt soreness in his left knee and was unavailable. He was one of three players who chose not to participate in a voluntary practice or receive medical treatment Sunday.