3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ vile Game 2 loss vs. Chicago Bulls

Following a very closely contested Game 1 win this past Sunday, the Milwaukee Bucks returned to Fiserv Forum last night for Game 2 with the Chicago Bulls.

Immediately, things did not look right for the Bucks from the opening tip as the Bulls started with far more intensity, having rattled off the first nine points of the game. While Milwaukee managed to fight their way back into the game and make things relatively competitive, this was a tough one to sit through. Despite the abundance of self-inflicted errors by the Bucks, they stayed in this one until the final buzzer sounded, but it did not matter as the Bulls secured a 114-110 victory to even up the series at 1-1. For several reasons, this is a tough one to stomach, but there will not be time to dwell on it for too long, as these two will meet in Chicago on Friday for a pivotal Game 3. Before that game tips off, here are three takeaways from an ugly Game 2 loss by the Bucks.

Brook Lopez proved to be among the lone bright spots in the Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 2 loss to the Chicago Bulls

In what was an overall gloomy and dreadful game, Brook Lopez served as at least one reason for some optimism on Milwaukee’s side of things.

Offensively, the big man looked as good as he has all season as he tallied 25 points while shooting an efficient 9-of-16 from the floor. While it was great to see him attack the basket, especially late when he connected on a tough layup while being fouled, the big man also showed off his range by burying three of his six 3-point attempts. When Lopez is scoring the basketball right at the rim and also hitting his outside shots, it unlocks an entirely new form of versatility to Milwaukee’s offense, as evidenced by his effort last night. Elsewhere, Lopez tallied six rebounds, one assist, and a block in his 35 minutes of game action as he had a solid all-around impact in this one.

Given how much a majority of the supporting cast struggled in last night’s game, Lopez’s effort in this game was a positive takeaway. Due to his contributions offensively and defensively, he could be the ultimate difference-maker for the Milwaukee Bucks in this series, and they will certainly need him to step up to the challenge. After receiving some tough news regarding one of their vital pieces, the Bucks will need Lopez more than ever moving forward, and this game sparks optimism that he can shoulder more responsibility on both sides of the basketball.