The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night thanks to a strong defensive effort in the third quarter. They only allowed 18 points in the quarter which allowed them to build a double-digit lead going into the fourth. After the game, Jrue Holiday was asked about Brook Lopez and what he brings to the team. Jrue Holiday said that Brook Lopez should get this NBA honor.
Jrue Holiday Says Brook Lopez Should Get This NBA Honor
"He's the anchor for our team. … Defensive player of the year. How about that one?"
Jrue Holiday with high praise for Brook Lopez talking with @ZoraStephenson after the win! pic.twitter.com/1pRtHsIiJM
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 22, 2022
Brook Lopez had five blocks in the game tonight. During the postgame interview, Jrue Holiday spent time praising Lopez’s defense. He talked about how Lopez is always talking and communicating and if the guards get beat, it is great to know that Lopez is on the back end protecting the rim. Then he took it one step further in his praise of Lopez. “‘He’s the anchor for our team…Defensive Player of the Year. How about that one?” This is huge praise from a player who is a great defensive player in his own right.
Lopez Has Had An Amazing First Month
Lopez’s five blocks tonight will only increase his per-game average. He was already averaging over two blocks a game and this will push him closer to three. It isn’t just on the defensive side that he is excelling. Offensively he is having his best year since joining the Bucks in 2018. He is first in the league in scoring efficiency in the post and is also hitting between two and three 3-pointers a game. His ability to stretch the floor offensively is helping players like Giannis and Holiday score.
The Bucks were hoping that Lopez would be a key piece on this team. I don’t think they expected him to be this good. What he brings defensively does not always show up on the stat sheet. However, if you listen to players like Holiday and Giannis talk about Lopez, it is clear that he brings so much to the defensive end on the floor. In a league where scoring is up, the Bucks are finding ways to shut down their opponents. If they keep this up, Brook Lopez may be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
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