Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 86-83 Game 3 win over Brooklyn Nets

With their backs against the wall, the Milwaukee Bucks delivered an all-time memorable playoff performance against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 3.

However, despite ultimately coming out on top with a much-needed 86-83 victory to keep their postseason hopes alive, this contest was far from memorable for the Bucks in a good way. Despite such a promising start to kick things off, this game quickly turned into arguably the ugliest contest Milwaukee has played all season leading up to this point.

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After the first 12 minutes, it appeared that the Bucks were in the driver’s seat for this one as they held a 30-11 lead. This team came out with the sense of urgency that they lacked throughout the first two games and it looked like they had finally turned a corner.

Yet, that lead quickly fizzled as the Nets battled their way back into the game and eventually took the lead several times in the second half in this down to the wire finish.

However, as long as they get the victory, this team will take it as their playoff hopes remain intact as they trail 2-1 in this best of seven series. With that being said, here are three takeaways from last night’s thrilling Game 3 matchup against the Nets.

Jrue Holiday delivers in the clutch for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 victory

While he was undoubtedly not alone in the crowd of bad performances for the Bucks last night, Jrue Holiday’s effort stood out.

The guard was horrendous on the offensive end throughout the game, struggling to get anything to drop with any consistency. Missing his often automatic jumpers, 3-pointers, and even a few chip shots, Holiday looked like a liability trying to score the basketball for most of the night. Despite how awful he had played offensively to that point, Holiday did not let those struggles rattle his confidence with his team trailing 83-82 late in the game by taking it strong to the basket and scored with 11.4 seconds left.

Putting the Bucks up by one point, Holiday’s bucket proved to be a game-winner as Milwaukee would fend off a last-second effort from Brooklyn to win this one. It is not a stretch to say that Holiday just saved the Bucks’ entire season with that shot last night, and he deserves praise for sticking with it despite his struggles all through the night.

Following his 45-and-a-half minutes played, Holiday finished with a line of nine points, four rebounds, and five assists. Shooting just 4-of-14 from the field, including 1-of-4 from 3-point range, the guard made it count when the Bucks needed him most in the clutch.