Knicks vs. Bucks: Postgame Grades and Analysis

Oct 28, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) looks to shoot during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Center: Robin Lopez

Overall Grade: B-

Minutes Played: 20

+/-: 0

Stat Line: 8 PTS, 2 REB, 2 BLK, 3/5 FG, 2/2 FT

The New York Knicks coveted Greg Monroe, but missed the opportunity to sign him when he joined the Milwaukee Bucks. Many have said that New York settled on Robin Lopez, who joined the Knicks on a four-year, $54 million contract.

As fate would have it, Lopez was matched up with Monroe in the season opener.

Lopez and Monroe’s war started at the opening tip, with each putting up early points in the first quarter. Just as Monroe was taking over, however, Lopez came up with a huge block on the opposition’s drive.

That was essentially the extent of his contributions, but Lopez kept New York in the game as Milwaukee was making a first-quarter run.

Monroe never seemed to recover from Lopez’s block, and that was a huge factor in the game. Thus, his impact on the first half far outweighs his final stat line and +/-.

The B- may seem generous, but Lopez’s 20 minutes were very effective.

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