Revisiting Jrue Holiday’s 2020-21 goals with the Milwaukee Bucks: No. 2 – Elevate the defense
Before joining the Bucks, Holiday had already been regarded as arguably the best guard defender in the association. With two All-Defensive selections under his belt coming in, it was a valid case, and this team was hoping he could improve their already top-heavy defense. Safe to say he did.
As many predicted, Holiday had a sensational season on the defensive end, which helped him fit right in with his new team. The Bucks’ starting five of Holiday, Donte DiVincenzo, Khris Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Brook Lopez was arguably the best defensive-oriented unit in the entire NBA last season. Much like the offense, the defense underwent some construction during the regular season as Budenholzer experimented with certain ideas, which made them appear sluggish at times, but it made them better for the postseason.
Having to go through an Eastern Conference full of talent, having a player like Holiday to throw at stars on a nightly basis proved to be a massive boost for this team. He never backed down from the challenge, oftentimes being given the most difficult defensive assignments. This was evident in the NBA Finals, where Holiday was typically glued to Devin Booker or Chris Paul. His efforts in that series have been applauded consistently, and deservingly so. While Holiday’s late-game steal on Booker in Game 5 will be his most recognizable defensive highlight, he did a fantastic job in that entire series in keeping his opponent at bay.
Earning his third All-Defensive selection this past season, Holiday unquestionably made his mark and elevated this Milwaukee defense. The guard previously stated he believes he should have a case to be Defensive Player of the Year each and every season, and after watching him make several key plays on defense throughout the playoffs, he has a point.