You’ve made it! This is our third and final game breakdown about Jrue Holiday. For the time being, these game notes are available for paid subscribers only. Thanks so much for your support – it’s great to have this small but loyal group of readers cheering us on.
Big plays
David smothers Goliath
He dominated Aaron Gordon. Jrue hounded him full court, draining seconds off the shot clock as Gordon inched the ball up. Jrue stonewalled him in the post as well.
Gordon needs to learn he can’t post up Jrue. This was my face every time he tried.
Welcome to the f***in league
Despite the fundamental box out, Jrue climbs over Cole Anthony for the beastly rebound. Jrue then escorts the rookie into the post, working him over slowly before getting him up in the air for the and 1.
You can hear someone shouting: “Help! Help! Help!” Jordan Bone, a fellow rookie, swipes down on the ball to no avail.
Teammate dimes him up in transition
Jrue completely helps off of Cole Anthony to blow up the pick and roll and force the errant pass.
At the start of their possession, the Magic cleared out the right side of the floor so Cole and Nikola Vučević have more space to run a pick and roll. The downside is the Magic shooters are bunched up on the weak side. Jrue can afford to come off his man because Bryn Forbes is in position to guard two players at once.
Let’s be honest: The pass is the reason we GIFed this up.
Threads the deep ball for buckets
This pass made me check to see if Jrue Brees played football in high school. Sad spoiler alert: He didn’t.
Fast hands prevent the layup
Great discipline to stay on his feet for the pump fake and then strip the ball without fouling.
This should count for more than a steal in the box score.
Small plays
Screen Assist without the screen
To dodge Jrue’s screen, Dwayne Bacon takes one circuitous step and gives up a layup.
Ball denial thwarts a back cut
Bad plays
The Rookie gets revenge
As the game went on, Cole Anthony got more comfortable against Jrue. Here, he crosses him over and leaves him in the dust. Credit to Jrue for competing to the end of the play and Middleton rotating to meet Cole at the top of the charge circle.
Garbáge Time
4th quarter summary: Stuff the Magic Dragon rode the team’s noise meter, and the Bucks blew the game open on a 22-2 run with Giannis and Jrue on the bench.