The TD Garden was electrifying once again as the Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks put on another classic. The Deers came out with a crucial Game 5 win to take advantage of heading home for Game 6. While the usual Giannis Antetokounmpo freak play put the Bucks in a position to win, it was Jrue Holiday who came up clutch. His rip on DPOY Marcus Smart in the last seconds gave Milwaukee the critical Game 5 win.
Over the years many players have praised Holiday for his stellar defensive skills. The Bucks point guard isn’t a new face when it comes to guarding the best players. He takes these assignments with pride and often does an outstanding job. Offensive greats such as Kevin Durant have said Holiday is the toughest matchup he has come up against. And tonight, Jrue proved just why he gets such praise.
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With a slight chance for the Celtics to tie the game, Holiday stole their hopes by ripping Defensive Player of The Year, Marcus Smart, to secure the game.
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Jrue puts Bucks in a commanding position against Celtics
Just like the previous games in this series, it all came down to the wire once again. The Celtics had the chance to tie the game on their last possession and take the game to overtime. With the Bucks on all-out defense mode, it was Holiday’s time to shine. Likewise, the Bucks point guard pulled off another signature steal on the last play and shocked the TD Garden.
Fans were left in awe of this play as they praised Jrue for his unreal defense on Marcus Smart. His two-way play tonight was the major reason a Giannis 40 piece did not go in vain.
Jrue Holiday showing Smart who the real DPOY is😤 what a great comeback win 3-2 going to Milwaukee now https://t.co/QIYHIdVHi3
— 𝔻𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕪 🦌🕊💫 (@GreekFreakSZN) May 12, 2022
Jrue Holiday has to be one of the most clutch defenders in history. Dude tore up the Suns in the Finals last year and is making big stops against the Celtics this year. Insane. https://t.co/7G3n2CrAzm
— Karthik (@pyr1to) May 12, 2022
Yooo #JrueHoliday Defense is unmatched. I have never seen anything like this. https://t.co/wI1elCibwX
— RedWolf (@BigDipp76209448) May 12, 2022
If you dont like that you dont like NBA Basketball! https://t.co/QtfYbXQBOZ
— KP (@KPerkins__) May 12, 2022
Jrue Holiday put some respect on that man’s name!!!!!!! https://t.co/vIS8fKQAi7
— 777 (@motorgoing) May 12, 2022
THE REAL DPOY https://t.co/aeg9k4ooeC
— . (@NworaVibes) May 12, 2022
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The Bucks duo of Jrue and Giannis were both at their best tonight. The Greek Freak was a nightmare for the best defense in the league. He finished the game with 40 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block. As for Holiday, the defensive genius put up 24 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in the big Game 5 win. With a 3-2 series lead under them, the Bucks will now look to close out the battle as they head home for Game 6.
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Jayson Tatum’s stellar playoff run against the Bucks continued as he dropped 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jaylen Brown did his best to keep the Celtics in the game, adding 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Despite Smart having an efficient 15 points and 4 rebounds night, Holiday became his worst nightmare in just the final seconds.
Do you think the Bucks will close out the series in Game 6? Let us know your views in the comments below.