5 NBA players stepping up during the COVID surge

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 21: Kemba Walker #8 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at United Center on November 21, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

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Jrue Holiday deserves to be an NBA All-Star this season, Milwaukee Bucks

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 10, 2021 in New York City. The Bucks defeated the Knicks 112-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

NBA players stepping up during the COVID surge: Jrue Holiday

Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday is a star in his own right, but he’s had to hold down an even bigger responsibility than usual after MVP Giannis Antetokoumpo wound up in the health and safety protocols. The guard has had no trouble shouldering the load.

From Dec. 13 to Dec. 23, Holiday averaged 26.8 points and 8.8 assists per game. He hit 39.1 percent of his three-point attempts during the five-game stretch.

The best game in the stretch came in an overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 17. Holiday was pitiful from three-point range, knocking down just one of eight attempts. But it was no matter, as Holiday was still able to drop a season-high 40 points, hitting half of his total field goal attempts.

Antetokoumpo missed five games due to the protocols, returning to action for Christmas Day after clearing the protocols. Holiday immediately saw his role decline, scoring 17 points in the win over the Boston Celtics, his smallest output since Dec. 12.

Luckily for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks didn’t miss a step in his absence. The Bucks won a majority of the games they played without the best player in the NBA. He has Holiday to thank for keeping the Bucks in prime postseason position.