Milwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez’s shooting gives cause for encouragement

Brook Lopez was one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ strongest performers in their first scrimmage back, which offers plenty of encouragement for the challenges ahead.

The Milwaukee Bucks were so dominant before the stoppage in the season, that most of their concerns as the campaign restarts in Orlando next week are focused on regaining what they already had as opposed to finding anything new.

Something of an exception on that front, although not entirely new given just how prevalent it was in 2018-19, would be the wish of all involved with the Bucks to see Brook Lopez finally find the shooting rhythm that had deserted him for his team’s first 65 games of the season.

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Lopez has played a key role in the overhaul that has seen the Bucks transform themselves on both the offensive and defensive ends since Mike Budenholzer took over as head coach, but it was undoubtedly the center’s long range proficiency that proved the most eye-catching element of his game in his first season in Milwaukee.

That’s what made Lopez’s 29.6 percent shooting from three-point range such a disappointment this season, and what made his perfect 3-of-3 showing from deep in the Bucks’ Thursday showing against the San Antonio Spurs so tantalizing.

In a strong overall performance in the Milwaukee Bucks’ opening scrimmage against the Spurs, Brook Lopez’s hot shooting was a welcome sight.

In fact, Lopez missed just a single field goal in his near 27 minutes of action upon the Bucks’ return, scoring 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field, with 2-of-2 at the free throw line thrown in for good measure.

Considering what the Bucks have received in terms of production from most positions on the floor, Brook regaining his touch could be a real game-changer in terms of making his offense just as formidable as his defense.

One game is certainly not enough to sell anybody on a more consistent spell of efficient shooting for Brook, but there is reason to believe that he may have benefited from the chance to rest more than most.

The playoffs marked the beginning of Lopez’s dip in efficiency last year, but instead of getting a full offseason to rest or work out any kinks that may have worked their way back into his shooting stroke, the Bucks big man had a much busier summer to work through.

Along with teammate Khris Middleton, Lopez was a part of USA Basketball’s roster for the FIBA World Cup in China, which meant not only did Brook have to deal with travel and games in the tournament itself, but the pre-tournament training camps that preceded them too.

Brook’s horrid playoff shooting carried over on to the international scene, and without a chance to pause for breath, the 32-year-old hadn’t quite been able to find his form again since.

That may now have changed, though, after an extended if unforeseen opportunity to rest.

It’s for that reason that Bucks fans may well have felt a little more excitement beyond what would normally be the case from a one-game sample size.

Although Brook didn’t get into any real detail when asked about his own strong shooting performance, his answer to the media on that topic gave an insight into the positive state of mind he generally finds himself in right now. As relayed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Matt Velazquez:

"“It was honestly so much fun to be back out on the court and playing. Some people talk about what the bubble’s like and it’s a little tough and everything but we are so blessed to be in this situation to be able to come out and all hang out together, be with people we really care for and love and go out and hoop. It’s an awesome feeling, I’m just glad to be out on the court."

Being at his beloved Walt Disney World, albeit in a very different way to usual, may well spur Lopez on. After all, he does own a home on the property, even though he’ll have to stay in the hotel with his teammates for the remainder of the season. But would it really be any surprise if the man known as Splash Mountain hits top form again during his stay in Orlando?

Some things just seem like they’re meant to be, and the Bucks will definitely hopes that proves to be the case for their starting center.