The Milwaukee Bucks faced an unexpected loss on Thursday as they were taken down by the Indiana Pacers, 139-123.
This was shocking for a number of reasons but mostly because the Pacers were without one of their best shooters, Tyrese Haliburton.
But even without Haliburton’s output on the court, the Pacers were able to sail past the top team in the East.
NBA analyst Coast 2 Coast highlighted the fact that the Bucks gave up 139 points without Haliburton and said that shows just how important Brook Lopez is.
The Milwaukee big man was also absent from the game and it left his team wide open to be assaulted without a strong defensive response.
“Hope you people who act like Brook Lopez isn’t a serious contender for DPOY paid attention to that game tonight,” Coast 2 Coast said.
Bucks (with Brook Lopez out) gave up 139 points and lost to the Pacers without Tyrese Haliburton. Hope you people who act like Brook Lopez isn’t a serious contender for DPOY paid attention to that game tonight
— Coast 2 Coast (@Coast2CoastNBA) March 17, 2023
Lopez was ruled out of Thursday’s game because of an ankle injury.
After the unexpected loss to the Pacers, the Bucks are hoping he is able to bounce back as quickly as possible.
Lopez has been a dominant and incredible force of nature so far this season, producing 4.7 defensive rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game.
He is also averaging 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game.
The center is playing in his 15th season but he is possibly having the best year of his career.
Injuries sadly aren’t something new for Lopez, who missed nearly all of last season.
His return to the Bucks has supremely helped the team and they are now positioned for a strong run in the playoffs.
The hope is that Lopez is back with the Bucks soon because they want his incredible defensive power as the postseason starts.
NEXT: A Bucks Big Man Is Dominating The NBA On Defense
