3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ exhilarating win over Utah Jazz
By Dalton Sell
Brook Lopez and George Hill both returned to the lineup for the Milwaukee Bucks having shown justifiable rust following lengthy absences
It was a night of returns last night as the Milwaukee Bucks welcomed back two key contributors to the fold in Brook Lopez and George Hill.
Three months after undergoing a back procedure, Lopez made his first appearance for the Bucks since the season opener versus the Brooklyn Nets on October 19. During his 14 and a half minutes in Utah, Lopez showed some rust, air balling a 3-pointer on his first shot attempt. However, the big man made an impact defensively from the moment he checked in, contesting shots right at the hoop and making things uncomfortable for Utah’s offensive players. Notably, he held Rudy Gobert to just 1-of-3 shooting for two points in their time matched up. After the Jazz looked in control of the game early, it appeared that things tipped in Milwaukee’s favor once Lopez checked in.
Finishing with six points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal as well as four personal fouls, the rust was there, but Lopez still looked solid, especially defensively. It was great to see him back out on the floor after watching him on the sidelines these past few months. Time will tell how Lopez is utilized moving forward as the Bucks reintegrate him into the lineup, but last night was a step in the right direction.
It was a far quieter night for Hill as he went scoreless on just one shot attempt, but he did tally two rebounds, two assists, and steals in 13 and a half minutes of action off the bench. Having dealt with lingering neck soreness, this was Hill’s first appearance since January 28, and it was a good sign to see him back out on the floor for the defending champions. With the Bucks dealing with other injuries to the second unit, Hill’s return came at a great time.