Scoreboard
Bucks 123, Suns 119 (MIL leads series 3-2)
What went down
The turning point of the series had all the trappings of a memorable and heart-pounding Finals game.
It showcased a huge 16-point lead by the Suns in the first quarter, which the Bucks countered by roaring back in the second. Devin Booker had another 40-point performance. The Bucks’ Big 3 of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday all had signature moments throughout the game.
Off the court, there was LeBron James cheering for his friend Chris Paul. Even Adele (yes, that Adele), was at courtside. The stars came out for the most pivotal game of the series.
In the fourth quarter, just when the Bucks were well on their way for a victory, it was the Suns’ turn to make a rally. Both teams traded haymakers down the stretch that set up a play that would echo all throughout NBA history. Holiday stole the ball from Booker, and it led to an iconic Giannis alley-oop with 13.5 seconds left that sealed the win.
Big-time ballers
The Bucks’ Big 3 came to play in Game 5.
- Antetokounmpo: 32 PTS, 14/23 FG, 9 REBS, 6 ASTS
- Middleton: 29 PTS, 12/23 FG, 3 3PM, 7 REBS, 5 ASTS
- Holiday: 27 PTS, 12/20 FG, 3 3PM, 13 ASTS, 3 STLS
It was certainly a breakout game for Holiday who only had 13 points in Game 4. The trio made crucial plays on both ends to secure the win for the Bucks.
Per ESPN Stats and Info, the Bucks’ three-man crew is the fifth trio in Finals history to have at least 25 points on 50 percent shooting. The last trio to do such a feat was the LA Lakers' James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson in 1985.
What he said
"I threw it as hard as I could and he went up there and got it.”
Here’s Holiday breaking down that final sequence of the game.
"I threw it as hard as I could and he went up there and got it."
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 18, 2021
Jrue Holiday on his game-sealing steal & alley-oop to Giannis. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/og9Tdw0Ogn
Did you see that?
Let’s break down the play that won Game 5 for the Bucks and possibly the championship.
Jrue rips it.
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2021
Giannis runs the floor.
Jrue lobs it up.. Giannis hammer!@Bucks up 4 with 9.8 left in Game 5.#NBAFinals on ABC pic.twitter.com/xKhjNrgdbf
It was a riveting sequence as the Suns, only down by one, decided not to call a timeout after a miss from Holiday on the other end. Booker had the chance to go for the lead, but Holiday ripped the ball out of Booker’s hands, then Giannis ran the full length of the court to complete the alley-oop.
Holiday’s decision-making on both ends should be stressed here as he left Paul wide open because he knew Booker was in full attack mode. After making the steal, he pushed the pace and threw the lob that led to the Giannis slam.
This sequence will go down as one of the best moments in NBA Finals history.
