Brook Lopez’s masterful fourth quarter leads the Bucks past Raptors

After dropping a game against the Indiana Pacers in their previous contest, the Milwaukee Bucks needed to bounce back against the Toronto Raptors.

For three quarters, the Bucks and Raptors went back and forth as they consistently exchanged the lead. Heading to the fourth quarter, Toronto led by six points. If the Bucks were to end the game on top, they would have to buckle down over those final 12 minutes and execute. Brook Lopez played the entire period and did just that as he took over late to help Milwaukee get the victory.

Brook Lopez’s masterful fourth quarter leads the Bucks past Raptors

With the Bucks down by six, Lopez immediately opened the fourth quarter with an and-one layup off a pass by Khris Middleton to cut it to three. Two possessions later, Lopez authoritatively took it inside once again, which resulted in another and-one to tie the game at 95. On the next trip down the floor, Lopez heaved a triple, missed, got his own rebound, and threw down a thunderous dunk to put Milwaukee up by two. This hot start by Lopez certainly gave the Bucks some momentum to start the period, and it certainly didn’t stop there.

After recording a steal and a block, Lopez once again went to the free throw line and sunk a pair to put the Bucks up six. Yet, the Raptors did not go away, as they kept the game close. As the Bucks led by two with under four minutes to play, Lopez hit another tough shot inside, which resulted in his third and-one of the period. Lopez sealed this game with yet another layup and two additional free throws in the final few minutes to help the Bucks get their 51st win of the season.

In the period, Lopez tallied 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting while shooting a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw line. He also notched four rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. Lopez’s 17 points were more than the Raptors scored in the period in total (16).

For the game, Lopez finished with a game-high 26 points on 60 percent shooting, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocked shots. Lopez was nothing short of terrific in this matchup, which has been a big recurring theme this season, especially lately. Fans have argued that the big man has become one of the NBA’s most underrated players, and this win strengthens that point.

Not only is Lopez the potential frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year this season, but he is also having his most productive offensive season since 2016-17. What a year it has been for the big man. The Milwaukee Bucks are incredibly lucky to have him around. Brook Lopez’s impact on this Milwaukee team can not be understated.

With the win, the Bucks have pushed their lead for the East’s top seed to 2.5 games.