Milwaukee Bucks: Jrue Holiday proved to be the ultimate needle-mover
By Jacob Maier
Jrue Holiday’s defense shined once again when the Milwaukee Bucks needed it the most
When discussing Holiday, it should come as no surprise that he played excellent defense throughout the NBA Finals. He finished with 13 steals and four blocks, including a steal that would set up a play to seal the game in Game 5.
With Holiday scoring 52 points, 31 assists, and 10 steals over the last three games of the Finals, he joins Larry Bird and Jimmy Butler as the only other players to have at least 50 points, 30 assists, and 10 steals in a three-game span in the Finals. Holiday’s defense on some of Phoenix’s best shooters was impressive, and he was able to limit those players enough to give Milwaukee a victory. Holiday’s crucial defense late in Game 5 gave them the opportunity to secure a championship in Milwaukee, and the Bucks executed on that opportunity.
It is difficult to highlight just one defensive performance for Holiday as he provided sound defense throughout. Without his ability to limit Phoenix’s shooters, this series could have been much different. Holiday has proven he is one of, if not the best, defensive guard in the league, and he did so on the biggest stage.
Atypical offense aside, Jrue Holiday was a needle-mover for Milwaukee and proved to be the upgrade the Bucks were looking for. Holiday has now secured his first title in his first year with Milwaukee. With the core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday secured for the foreseeable future, Milwaukee should be right back in the race for an NBA championship again.
Next. Giannis Antetokounmpo fulfills championship promise to Milwaukee Bucks. dark
None of this would have been possible without Jrue Holiday in the facilitator role, and for that, he deserves the respect he has received.