Last season the Milwaukee Bucks new acquisition center Brook Lopez had the best season of his career. Shooting a career-high 37% from 3pt range and averaging 2 blocks a game. Lopez which was playing for the Bucks had the best record in the NBA at 60-22.
The Bucks never lost more than two games in a row were dominate during the regular season then loosing four games in a row in the eastern conference finals against the Toronto Raptors.
Lopez, which has had limited playing time for team USA during the FIBA tournament. Team USA which will be playing in the championship game against France which is no easy feat. The French national team has one of the best if not the best defensive player in the world. All NBA center Rudy Gobert.
Gobert, plays for the defensive minded Utah Jazz, has won defensive player of the year. For the last three years. Lopez, which has had limited playing time on a roster with plenty of holes already is looking to go home with the FIBA championship.
This is a great article. Brian Windhorst is an accredited NBA journalist that has been around the league for years. The article uses quotations from other players. My favorite is from Donovan Mitchell when talking about Gobert “He’s a hell of a player.”
This story is too much for someone who doesn’t follow basketball. It sounds like all the other talking heads on ESPN; lots of speculation and strategy and what-ifs. Less summary would be OK.
As part of the discussion, explain why this is news, and who is the audience. After this week’s classes, you will be able to explain why Mitchell’s quote stands out.