The stage, it seemed, was set for the reigning Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week to put on a star-studded, heavyweight, Monday night clash.
Within minutes, it became clear that Brook Lopez and the rest of the Milwaukee Bucks had other plans.
On the backs of Lopez’s 27-point, nine-rebound night, the Bucks walked into Moda Center and outclassed the Portland Trail Blazers from the opening whistle, en route to a wire-to-wire 127-108 win. The talented Bucks center had strong support in the form of Milwaukee’s two new All-Stars nominees with Giannis Antetokounmpo (24 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists) and Jrue Holiday (20 points, four rebounds, eight assists) helping lead the charge.