3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ action-packed win over Phoenix Suns
By Dalton Sell
Having struggled mightily throughout the first three quarters, Jrue Holiday found a groove and dominated the fourth quarter for the Milwaukee Bucks
Although one player cannot be blamed for an entire team’s struggles, a significant reason why the Bucks struggled throughout the first three quarters was due to a sluggish start by Jrue Holiday. In 26 minutes, Holiday had tallied just seven points on 2-of-7 shooting while notching three grueling turnovers, each of which felt more painful than the last. While the guard did have eight assists and three steals, the Bucks would certainly need Holiday to contribute more in the fourth quarter, and as he tends to do, Holiday delivered.
Holiday flipped the switch in the final period by scoring an eye-popping 17 points on an incredibly efficient 5-of-6 field goal shooting, including a flawless 3-of-3 from 3-point land. The guard also stepped to the free throw line and confidentially buried all four of his attempts. Whether he was attacking the rim or taking one of his patented step-back triples, Holiday was masterful down the stretch with his scoring. That goes without mentioning the rebound, steal, and assist that the veteran also notched in the final 12 minutes that helped him propel this late push.
Anyone that has watched the Bucks following the All-Star break has noticed exactly how Holiday has turned up the intensity in recent fourth quarters, particularly his in his last three showings. Holiday scored seven points in Milwaukee’s recent win against the Miami Heat, making a layup in the closing seconds to put his team up by one and earn the victory. He scored 16 in the period in a win over the Chicago Bulls to help seal a comeback victory, and his latest performance is the best of them all as he notched 17 fourth quarter points and got the victory.
Holiday has been exceptional for the Milwaukee Bucks since coming back from the All-Star break, and they will need this strong play in the final period moving forward.