The Milwaukee Bucks have not won a NBA Championship in 50 years. It has been 47 years since they were even in the Finals. It’s been so long, the last time Milwaukee represented its conference in the Finals, they were in the West. Thanks to the timely play of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, decades of losing could soon be forgotten come Tuesday. With their win in Phoenix in Game Five, the Bucks are just one win away from being NBA Champions.
For Jrue Holiday, his Game Five performance was a game in which he silenced all doubters. For much of the postseason, Holiday was mired in a shooting slump that saw him miss everything from three point shots to layups. However, he never gave up. He never stopped playing hard. Even with his offense slumping, his defense made him valuable on the court.
In Game Five, Holiday had 27 points on 12/20 shooting (3/6 from beyond the arc) and 13 assists. He also had three steals. Two of those came on plays that really define who he is and what he means to the team.
Don’t Try to Bully Jrue Holiday
One of the plays that sticks with me from Game 5. Look how physical Booker tries to get with Holiday and he’s just not moving him an inch. Steals the ball and for good measure drops a quick trigger three. Impressive. pic.twitter.com/3v3zqXoiO6
— Kane Pitman (@KanePitman) July 18, 2021
Devin Booker, who got away with a full out tackle of Jrue Holiday in Game Four, tried to bully Holiday again in the second half. As time ticked away, the Suns played dirtier and dirtier. However, Jrue Holiday was having none of it.
As Booker lowered his shoulder and repeatedly tried to drill Holiday in the chest, Holiday used his own over-aggressiveness against him. He poked the ball away and came away with the steal. He then drilled a three in Booker’s face to add insult to injury.
This is Jrue Holiday. He does not get rattled. Holiday is, as PJ Tucker says, a dog. He does not whine to the referees like the Suns’ players. He just does his job. When his jumper is falling, as it was last night, he is unstoppable on both ends.
The Dunk
Game Four will forever be remembered for “The Block,” when Giannis stuffed an alley-oop from Booker to DeAndre Ayton. This Game Five will be remembered for “The Dunk,” the Bucks’ alley-oop from Holiday to Giannis that helped ice the game. Of course, the play never would have happened if it was not for Holiday’s defense.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) July 18, 2021
With the Bucks only up one with seconds to play, the Suns gave the ball to Devin Booker, their best shooter. He drove, ran into a wall of Bucks, and when he turned around was met by Jrue Holiday. Holiday’s smart defensive play was carried out to perfection. He did not commit a foul, and he stripped the ball instead of holding onto it for a jump ball.
As a result, the Bucks were able to pull off what could be one of the most iconic plays in franchise history. Giannis, of course, as the two-time MVP, will receive much of the publicity. However, Holiday would not have it any other way. He knows his role and is comfortable being the guy who does the dirty work. He’s been dogged all playoffs because his shot was not falling. However, after seeing how effective he was in Game Five, all criticism should stop.
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