Milwaukee Bucks: 3 stars from eventful Game 1 victory over Heat

Milwaukee Bucks: 3 stars from eventful Game 1 victory over Heat – Jrue Holiday

Lastly, Jrue Holiday emerged as a star for the Bucks later on in the second half, scoring 11 of his 20 points in the third quarter and making some key plays down the stretch to help seal the win.

Most notably, Holiday made the game-ending block on Jimmy Butler’s shot attempt as time expired following Middleton’s clutch jumper with less than a second left. He also came up with some big steals, including one where he picked the pocket of Goran Dragic and took it the length of the court to lay it up and give the Bucks a 90-89 lead with just over six minutes remaining. Jrue finished with three steals along with 11 rebounds and a team-high plus-10 as well.

The two-way star played a crucial part in shifting the momentum toward Milwaukee’s way late in the game after not being as productive early on. He seemed to reestablish himself at halftime and came out with much more intensity, which clearly helped the Bucks moving forward.

Holiday has been beyond expectations and a major upgrade over Eric Bledsoe this season after being acquired from New Orleans in the offseason. He was brought to Milwaukee to make a difference in times like these under pressure, and he didn’t disappoint in his first postseason game with the Bucks.

As a trustworthy, strong guard with exceptional instincts, elite awareness, and solid abilities on both ends, Jrue Holiday should be the key to taking this title-aspiring Milwaukee Bucks squad past the Miami Heat and closer to an NBA championship.