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January 8, 2021
Jrue Holiday’s versatility is tailor-made for a Bucks offense that has multiple all-star caliber players with established roles. He doesn’t initiate the offense, but he spaces the floor, makes extra passes, roams in the dunker’s spot, sets screens, runs the occasional pick and roll and splashes 3’s off the catch. Playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, it’s important Jrue can impact the game without dominating the ball.
Jrue’s physicality is felt on every possession. While defending pick and roll action, he teleports over screens to body up on guards. Off the ball, he bumps cutters like prime Andrew Bogut. When he can’t blow by the opponent with his smooth handle, he uses his strength to bully his way to the rim. He even attacked Gobert in the paint for buckets.
The Jazz would pull this one out, 131-118 over the Bucks, but it’s clear that Jrue adds a dimension of toughness and activity that has been missing from previous Bucks teams.
1. Sweet pass draws first blood
Jrue sets a screen for Khris Middleton and flares to the top of the arc. He runs a pick and roll and as both defenders converge on him, he rifles the ball away from his body’s momentum to DiVincenzo past the outstretched arms of Royce O' Neal.
Middleton’s cut makes this play. He overloads the strong side so when Jrue and DiVincenzo run the pick and roll, the opposite corner—where the help should come from—is empty.
Looks like Mike Conley and Donovan Mitchell miscommunicated. Conley is ready to switch while Donovan chases over the screen.
2. Smart spacing
Brook Lopez (in the corner) and DiVincenzo (in the dunker’s spot) toggle positions to neutralize Rudy Gobert’s impact as a rim protector. Gobert can’t help off his man without giving up a simple pass for an open 3. Instead, Conley, the shortest player on the court, is responsible for helping on Giannis’ rim run.
Look how DiVincenzo and Jrue move in tandem to maintain spacing and clear passing angles for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
3. Takes on two defenders with handle and power
Jrue attacks quickly in semi-transition, but can’t get around Mitchell. O’Neal provides help and Gobert looms at the edge of the paint.
His behind the back dribble creates space before he muscles his way under the rim. Even while double-teamed, he has the composure and patience to find the opening for the shot.
Poor Royce O’Neal. He gets juked and then jumps twice on pump fakes before being called for the foul.
4. The screens are lava
Jrue fought over, blasted through, ducked under, and spun off screens. He wasn’t perfect — Gobert pummelled him to free up open shots — but his effort is refreshing to see in a league where switching screens is the default.
5. Jrue competes like a hungry dog
The game is over, but Jrue’s still competing. He rips Mitchell and gets the goal-tended bucket. His hands would make the Sticky Bandits proud.
And 1!
Bobby Portis puts his hands up to God, asking what he did to deserve this. God didn’t do this, Bobby. You did.