Bucks Zone

Brook Lopez's versatility on both ends is key to Milwaukee Bucks' success

Brook Lopez has become an integral part of the Milwaukee Bucks success with his ability to play both on offense and defense.
Matthew Dugandzic|
Brook Lopez's versatility on both ends is key to Milwaukee Bucks' success
Brook Lopez's versatility on both ends is key to Milwaukee Bucks' success

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Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday may grab all of the headlines due to their All-Star status and play, but the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks know they wouldn’t be the elite team they are this season without the two-way presence of center Brook Lopez. Even though he’s slowly getting up there in age at 34, Lopez remains a steady contributor for the Bucks, averaging 15.6 points on 52% shooting as well as 2.5 blocks per game.

Anchor of the team

As great as a defender Jrue Holiday is, he knows he’ll make mistakes covering the best perimeter players in the NBA. It’s a good thing he has Lopez manning the shaded lane, ready to clean up any mess left behind.

“He’s kind of the anchor of this team. He’s the guy that defends everybody. I know that if I get beat, I’m leaving him to Brook — don’t foul. And then offensively, man, it’s just like whenever we need him, he’ll always be there,” said Holiday.

Lopez still has a lot of gas left in the tank. Had he been on another team, a double-double and perhaps an All-Star berth could’ve been within reach. But he has found a home in Milwaukee, and it’s certainly paying off for the Bucks, who are now reaping the rewards of having such a reliable team player on their roster.

“He’s the type to sacrifice. He’s not gonna try to go out and try to get 30 every game and do all that. He’s just like, here if you need me.”

Changes the game

Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer is aware of what Brook brings to the table and is appreciative of his contribution to the team’s success. This was never more evident than in Milwaukee’s 118-111 victory over the Raptors on Sunday when Lopez outscored the opposing team 17-16 in the fourth quarter.

“It changed the game,” Budenholzer said. “I think what he did offensively was important, and the defense always stands out.”

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.