Milwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez’s stellar defense, poor offense

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 25: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a three point shot during a game against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum on November 25, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 25: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a three point shot during a game against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum on November 25, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Twenty-nine games into the season, the offensive woes of Brook Lopez have been problematic as he can’t seem to find a steady rhythm. However, he has been dominating on the defensive end of the floor for the Milwaukee Bucks.

After an impressive first season with the Milwaukee Bucks last year, it seemed as if Brook Lopez was destined for a big payday to return. The Bucks and Lopez agreed on a four-year, $52 million contract early in free agency, and the deal seemed like a good move for both sides.

In the first year of that extension, the seven-footer has been a bit hit or miss with his play, though.

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On the offensive end, Lopez has been subpar thus far, averaging 9.6 points on 38.2 percent from the field and 28.3 percent from three-point territory on the season. Currently a career-low in points per game, the big man can’t get anything going on offense. The three-point shooting was what helped Lopez make a splash in Milwaukee last season, but now he seems lost in that department.

At times, it seems like Lopez depends on his three-point shot too much when he has been much more effective in the post this season. His appalling percentage from deep also comes after a career-high 36.4 percent last year, which many thought would carry over to this season. Of course, Lopez’s willingness to work outside is also somewhat selflessly designed to create more space for his teammates.

The Bucks are not usually heavily dependent on Lopez’s scoring abilities with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton running the show. However, with starting point guard Eric Bledsoe currently missing through injury, the team is going to need to find scoring from  elsewhere too. This injury provides an increased opportunity for Brook to step up and produce for the Bucks offensively.

With the offensive struggles in full effect, Lopez has stepped up his defensive game immensely for the Bucks. Anchoring the defense, the center has averaged 2.3 blocks per game, 4.4 defensive rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game. Lopez’s 2.3 blocks per game are fifth-best in the NBA, and he isn’t far behind those in front of him.

The 282lb center has been a dominant shot-blocking presence in the post and has genuinely held it down defensively. Hi block tally currently has him tracking for a new career-best. Even beyond rejections, Lopez’s size and positioning has helped contribute to the Bucks allowing just 39.1 points in the paint per game, which is a league-best mark.

Eight games into December, Lopez has only reached double figures twice. During those eight games, Lopez is averaging 7.1 points, on 30 percent from the field, and 26.7 percent from behind the arc. The worst game of Lopez’s season came during that span on December 16, as the Dallas Mavericks ended the Milwaukee Bucks’ 18-game winning streak.

Lopez posted a stat line of three points on 1-of-8 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three-point range in 20 minutes of play. That game showed cause for concern as a third of the season has passed, and the offensive game of Lopez has been getting progressively worse.

However, Lopez knows he has to be better with the ball in his hands. On the flip side of that discussion, Lopez again demonstrated just how much of a game-changer his defense can be against the Lakers on Thursday night.

Brook may have went 0-of-3 from deep in that game, but with four steals and three blocks, he was absolutely critical to the Bucks slowing down LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and coming out with the win.

That speaks to Brook’s overall value to the Bucks, but also to how much room for further improvement there is this season if he can get his offense to click into place too.