Khris Middleton recalls the importance of Jrue Holiday in the device of the Bucks | NBA

Among the paid adjustments that guided the Bucks to the title, we can mention the contribution of a PJ Tucker but especially the arrival of Jrue Holiday, who brought a solid third threat behind the Middleton-Antetokounmpo tandem.

The veteran point guard was invaluable on both sides of the court, with his above-average aggression in defense and his wide offensive palette, whether on pick-and-roll, with his shot from mid-range and thanks to his his game vision. For three years, the former Pelicans player has been around 18 points and 6 assists, a production he still provides this year when he is able to play.

However, since the match won against Toronto on January 5, Jrue Holiday has not seen the courts again, due to ankle problems. And inevitably, without its titular leader, Milwaukee limps with four losses in the last six games, the latest in Atlanta, at the end of which Khris Middleton, author of 34 points, recalled the importance of Jrue Holiday for the Bucks .

“I’ve played with Giannis for years so I know where he wants the ball, how to get it to him, but Jrue adds another dimension to it, in that he’s able to attack but also to get the other guys involved, including Giannis,” he explained. “I don’t think it’s up to me to bring Giannis into his game. I feel like Giannis manages to fend for himself most of the time. Once in a while, I can make a situation easier for him, give him an easy shot, and it’s the same with Jrue. We just need a playmaker, a scorer, a defender, an extra player on the field”.

The Minister of Defense

For Mike Budenholzer, it is perhaps in defense that the evil is deepest in the absence of Jrue Holiday, the latter setting the tone for the rest of the team in commitment and aggressiveness.

It was all the more obvious when Milwaukee was unable to contain Trae Young and conceded 38 points in the last quarter against Atlanta. But for the Bucks strategist, his team must above all focus on what it can do best.

“We have to be better defensively so we don’t put so much pressure on Khris and Giannis. There are many areas where significant improvement is needed. It may be difficult to defend on Trae Young, he is a big player. But that was probably not our main problem tonight.

Currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Bucks seem to be embarking on a very difficult season as defending champions after their complicated start and this new blow to start 2022.

“We have to find a way to be smarter, to be better. You just have to assume it, take the situation in hand and learn from it to try to improve”, added Khris Middleton as Jrue Holiday remains uncertain for Memphis’ reception tonight, and Chicago looms on Friday.