At times, Dan Gadzuric is forgotten in the shuffle.
But with starting center Andrew Bogut sidelined after taking an elbow to the face Wednesday night against Chicago, Gadzuric got an opportunity ... and made the most of it.
Gadzuric brought his A-game, scoring 11 points and pulling down 14 boards over 21 minutes; a major factor in the Bucks' 97-90 victory over the Bulls at the Bradley Center.
It was a refreshing evening for Gadzuric, who hasn't seen a lot of action so far this season.
"I just felt real good," he said after the victory. "I came out with a lot of energy, did what I needed to do to help my teammates; blocked shots, rebounding, setting picks..."
Energy and confidence haven't been lacking for Gadzuric, drafted by the Bucks in the second round of the 2002 draft. His problem has been consistency.
Gadzuric showed steady improvement during his first two NBA seasons and worked his way into the top five in 2004-05, averaging 7.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in 81 games, all of them starts.
He was rewarded the following summer with a multi-year contract extension by then-general manager Larry Harris.
Since signing his six-year, $36 million deal Gadzuric has often been a focal point of fans' criticism. He's made just 15 starts in the three full seasons since re-signing, averaging 4.5 points in 179 games.
In limited time this year, Gadzuric hasn't been exactly overwhelming -- 3.2 points, 2.8 rebounds in 13 games (three starts) -- but head coach Scott Skiles likes his energy level and work ethic.
"Danny has had a good year so far," Skiles said. "He's played with energy almost every game. He's done something productive almost every game. I'm comfortable with Danny out there."
He was a major force in the second quarter Wednesday, hitting three of four from the field and pulling down eight rebounds as the Bucks turned a one-point deficit into a 12-point lead at halftime.
He came through again in the final quarter, connecting on his only shot but making a pair of clutch free-throws that put Milwaukee up, 95-88, with just more than a minute to play. He was strong on the boards, too, grabbing six rebounds.
Gadzuric also put his 6-foot-11 frame to use, blocking three Bulls' shots; all of them in the second quarter.
"When they come in the paint, I'm just trying to be a physical force," Gadzuric said. "Somebody they see there and maybe they alter their shot or kick it out."
Gadzuric has been spending more time working on his shot and free throws, working extra after practice and before games. The work will come in handy, as Gadzuric can expect his minutes to increase as Bogut continues to recover from a bone bruise in his left knee.
"Whether I'm getting a little bit or a lot of minutes, I'm always going to be ready," Gadzuric said. "I know what my task is; to come in and have a lot of energy. Boost up my confidence with a little bit of shooting. I know I can shoot a lot better than I've done in the past."
Villanueva gets hot: If there was a runner-up for the game ball Wednesday, Charlie Villanueva would have been the recipient. In his best performance of the season, Villanueva hit 10 of 21 shots with five rebounds, coming off the bench to play 30 minutes.
Bogut leaves early: Bogut left the game in the third quarter after taking an elbow to the head. A team official said that Bogut developed a migraine while undergoing treatment and was sent home to rest. He had made his first start in three games.
Redd returns: Michael Redd made his first start since Nov. 2 and added some much-needed scoring punch. In 26 minutes, Redd scored 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting and connected on his only three-point attempt.
Quick shots: Malik Allen made his first start of the season with the Bucks. ... The Bucks snapped a four-game losing streak. ... Scott Skiles is 1-1 against his former team this season. ... Milwaukee is 1-4 against Central Division opponents this season. ... The Bucks' bench outscored Chicago's, 40-25. ... Three Bucks recorded double-doubles Wednesday; Gadzuric, Villanueva and Luke Ridnour (12 points, 10 assists).
