With Bobby Portis suspended for 25 games coming out of the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks needed everyone else on the payroll to embrace a "next man up" mentality.
So far, they've gotten just that. Kevin Porter Jr. has helped replicate Portis' second-unit scoring with a handful of eye-popping performances. Fellow trade deadline acquisition Jericho Sims has earned his chance to showcase what he can bring, and he's provided some valuable rebounding. Yet, perhaps the Milwaukee Buck who has picked up the most slack in Portis' absence is Brook Lopez, particularly in the scoring department.
Brook Lopez's scoring has given the Milwaukee Bucks a needed jolt
In three contests since the Milwaukee Bucks returned to action, Lopez has averaged 19 points while hitting 57.6 percent of his field goals, including 44.4 percent of his 3-point looks. That's a significant increase from his 12.1 points per game prior to the All-Star break, where he oftentimes had a tough time finding consistency on that side of the basketball court.
The 3-point shooting has been the primary reason for Lopez's resurgence. At 44.4 percent, he boasts the best 3-point shooting percentage on the post-All-Star-break Milwaukee Bucks, and he's doing so with six attempts per game. He's always been confident in that shot, but it's been far more apparent lately with some of the deep looks he's been taking (and making).
The team's immediate need for a source of offense, as well as some needed downtime over the NBA All-Star break, has seemingly given the big man a boost of energy. Nearing 37 years old, Lopez is not as spry as he once was, so a week off to recharge can make a world of difference. As the Bucks aim to make a run down the stretch, this version of Brook Lopez could be a game-changer.
That goes without mentioning his increase in the rebounding department, as his per-game numbers have jumped from 4.7 pre-All-Star break to 6.7 post-All-Star break. The big man is helping out in yet another area where Portis typically provided assistance, though it's certainly not as prominent as his increased scoring output.
With Bobby Portis set to miss 22 more games, the Milwaukee Bucks need Lopez to keep firing on all cylinders offensively. This type of production could be exactly what they need to stay afloat without their currently suspended sixth man.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.