The former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has recently suffered an injury that will keep him out for a while. The Milwaukee Bucks clearly needed to find a way to win Game 5 without their best player, and it seems as though they were successful in achieving that goal. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, with the final score being 112-123.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ starting lineup had four players who scored above 20 points, showing this roster’s depth and ability to step up in other players’ absence. Brook Lopez was the leading scorer with 33 points, with Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Jrue Holiday pitching in as well. The Milwaukee Bucks have a real chance to make the NBA Finals, especially if Trae Young remains out with injury for the Atlanta Hawks. The NBA world reacted to the Bucks’ performance in a critical game:
Brook Lopez: 33 Points – 7 Rebounds – 77% FG
Jrue Holiday: 25 Points – 13 Assists – 6 Rebounds
Khris Middleton: 26 Points – 13 Rebounds – 8 Assists
Bobby Portis: 22 Points – 8 Rebounds – 3 Assists
A team effort with Giannis out. 💪 pic.twitter.com/Vs68XVQdNS
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 2, 2021
The Atlanta Hawks have turned Brook Lopez into Wilt Chamberlain.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 2, 2021
Brook Lopez right now pic.twitter.com/H4uxSDCf5e
— Joyal (@PhillyJoyal) July 2, 2021
brook lopez tonight pic.twitter.com/Ty3PS7NoXa
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) July 2, 2021
Brook Lopez tonight:
33 Points
7 Rebounds
4 Blocks
2 Steals
77% FG
Stepped up without Giannis. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/z2UEEjodFq
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 2, 2021
There is no doubt that the Milwaukee Bucks were the far better team in Game 5, and part of that was Brook Lopez turning back the clock, and showing why he was an All-Star during the 2012-13 season. The Milwaukee Bucks will now go to Atlanta to try and close the series, though the Hawks will likely come out full force to avoid elimination. If Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be out with injury, then perhaps we’ll see Brook Lopez put on another iconic performance.
