Brook Lopez and Bucks Defeat Hawks in Unusual Game 5

Brook Lopez filled in for an injured star

Heading into Game 5 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals tied 2-2, the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks were both dealing with serious injuries.

After missing Game 4, Atlanta’s star point guard Trae Young had to sit another game. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the game after hyperextending his knee on Tuesday.

Luckily for Milwaukee, 33-year-old center Brook Lopez was able to provide some unexpected production. He delivered his playoff-career-high, dropping 33 points. He also provided 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals in 38 minutes.

Additionally, Lopez’s impressive efforts were met with Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis all scoring 22 or more points.

Milwaukee is back in the driver’s seat

Thanks to Lopez, the Bucks won the game 123-112. They now hold a 3-2 lead in the series, forcing Atlanta to stare the face of elimination in Game 6.

Game 6 of the series will be played in Atlanta on Saturday at 8:30 PM. If the Hawks win the game, they will force a Game 7 in Milwaukee. If the Bucks win, they will advance to the NBA Finals to face Chris Paul and Devin Booker’s Phoenix Suns.

Check out highlights from the game below.

Andrew “Jetlag” Preisig | IG @ThankYouJetlag | Twitter @ThankYouJetlag