PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half in Game Five of the NBA Finals at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
A heads-up defensive play from Jrue Holiday led to a monstrous slam for Giannis Antetokounmpo to help the Milwaukee Bucks seal a victory in Game 5 and take a 3-2 series lead.
Jrue Holiday has been criticized at times throughout the NBA Playoffs, but he seems to come up clutch when it matters most. With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter of Game 5, Holiday picked Devin Booker’s pocket, setting up an emphatic Giannis Antetokounmpo alley-oop to put away any hopes of a Phoenix Suns comeback.
With that, the Milwaukee Bucks, who were once down 2-0 in this series, are now one win away from claiming the 2021 NBA Finals.
Twitter exploded in reaction to the Jrue-to-Giannis dagger.
Game 5 of the finals
series tied
on the road
one point lead
less than 24 seconds to goAND JRUE HOLIDAY THREW A MOTHERFUCKING ALLEY-OOP LOL WHAT A GODDAMN HERO pic.twitter.com/GZW3B1qVTc
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) July 18, 2021
I been watching hoops and playing hoops for a long time and these kind of plays win championships!!! Because defense wins championships!!!!! Go @Bucks !!! 1 more game to get that ring!!! ?????? pic.twitter.com/kQ49QhhprE
— The Heartbreak Kid (@JrScalez) July 18, 2021
I think I went unconscious for a minute after that Jrue steal-to-Giannis slam.
— Dan Shafer (@DanRShafer) July 18, 2021
Twitter reacts to Jrue-to-Giannis alley-oop that sealed Game 5
The stats don’t lie: Holiday was instrumental tonight, even before his clutch play with less than 24 seconds to go.
Jrue Holiday had 27 points on 20 true shot attempts and 24% usage. He assisted on 39% of the Bucks’ baskets while on the floor, with 5 of his 13 assists leading to 3s on the right side. He had 3 dimes each to Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Giannis. Phenomenal performance. pic.twitter.com/1z58KUQkW9
— Positive Residual (@presidual) July 18, 2021
How did the #Bucks steal Game 5?
Jrue Holiday had the game of his career. Capped it off with stripping Booker on a game deciding possession… and threw an oop at the other end to stretch the advantage.
Jrue has been up & down offensively. Tonight, the Bucks big 3 all balled out pic.twitter.com/SmUvC5uedL
— Pistol Pete (@PeteOfTheMoment) July 18, 2021
Bucks big 3 SHOWED OUT in Game 5
Giannis: 32 PTS, 9 REB, 6 AST
Middleton: 29 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
Holiday: 27 PTS, 4 REB, 13 AST pic.twitter.com/qVqHXb3qMq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2021
I think the Jrue Holiday trade was good.
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) July 18, 2021
It’s hard to believe the Bucks lost each of the first two games of this series by double digits. Booker has performed admirably in his own right, but Giannis has come unleashed in the NBA Finals, and the Bucks’ big three were too much for the Suns to handle in Game 5. Deer District was going wild tonight.
The Phoenix Suns were the best road team in the NBA all season long. They’ll have to win away from home in Game 6 if they wish to deny the Milwaukee Bucks their first NBA title in 50 years.
Source: FanSided