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Mike Budenholzer praises Jrue Holiday's clutch defense - "He's got a knack for getting deflections and steals in meaningful moments"

Jrue Holiday was up to his old tricks once again, stripping Devin Booker of the ball late in their close game.

Matthew Dugandzic

Mike Budenholzer praises Jrue Holiday's clutch defense - "He's got a knack for getting deflections and steals in meaningful moments"
Mike Budenholzer praises Jrue Holiday's clutch defense - "He's got a knack for getting deflections and steals in meaningful moments" /
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The Milwaukee Bucks' All-Star player Jrue Holiday is a four-time All-Defensive Team member for good reason. The veteran guard reminded everyone about it on Sunday, as his late-game strip of the Phoenix Suns' star guard Devin Booker paved the way for Milwaukee to win 104-101 and capture their 14th win in a row.

A big-time player making a big-time play

Coach Mike Budenholzer fought many battles alongside Holiday—including winning an NBA title with the crafty guard in 2021—so he knows what Jrue is made of, especially when the stakes are at their highest. And even though the game against the Suns was just a regular season game, Holiday came up with a championship-caliber play.

With seconds left in the game and the Bucks holding onto a two-point lead, Booker drove to the basket, looking to tie or take the lead. But Holiday had other plans. He used his veteran savvy and quick hands to get into position and swiped at the ball as Booker went up for a basket, which resulted in a steal.

"You know, we've been doing it for two to three years now. It's, he's phenomenal. His hands are phenomenal. His competitiveness is, you know, at a high, high level," said Budenholzer.

"He's got a knack for getting deflections and steals in meaningful moments and you know, that's what winners do," the coach added.

One of the best two-way players in the league

Brook Lopez heaped praise on Holiday afterward. Aside from the crucial steal, Holiday stuffed the stat sheet with 33 points, four rebounds, and five assists, leading the Bucks to victory.

"He's one of the top two-way players in the league, at least top three, just absolutely phenomenal. Just the best two-way player in the league, and these are the players he makes just time and time again."

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.