5 reasons why Milwaukee Bucks won 123-119 against Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of 2021 NBA Finals

# 3 The Milwaukee Bucks were more aggressive

Brook Lopez #11 and Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate against the Phoenix Suns

The Milwaukee Bucks came out cold but quickly took the game to the Phoenix Suns in front of their home fans. It was an extremely slow start for the Bucks, and it looked like the Suns were going to win Game 5 comfortably.

However, Mike Budenholzer found a way to motivate his players and made some inspired substitutions that had the desired impact. Bobby Portis has arguably been the best sixth man for the Milwaukee Bucks this series, and registered another decent outing.

Although the Suns put together a good run late in the fourth quarter to almost level the game, the Milwaukee Bucks' defense stood firm. Their clutch steal and offensive rebound after Giannis' clutch free-throw showed just how resilient the Bucks were on the court.

---

#4 The Phoenix Suns could not contend with Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots against the Phoenix Suns

After having a poor outing in Game 4, scoring four of 20 attempts, Jrue Holiday had a spectacular comeback game for the Milwaukee Bucks. It was almost like he could do nothing wrong as he made the best decisions on offense and successfully locked down Chris Paul to boot.

This steal and 3-pointer sums up Jrue Holiday's incredible Game 5 pic.twitter.com/WegCHeaqSV

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 18, 2021

Holiday was the difference for the Milwaukee Bucks and caused all sorts of problems for the Phoenix Suns on offense. He attacked the rim, shot from the perimeter, and knocked down his mid-range jumpers.

Forcing the turnover with under twenty seconds is perhaps his most impactful play in the game. The Phoenix Suns were one point behind, but the steal and alley-oop on the other end stretched the lead to three and an opportunity for Giannis Antetokounmpo to convert the and-one.

Jrue finished the game with 27 points, 13 assists, and four rebounds in a performance for the ages.

---

#5 The Milwaukee Bucks shot better from the perimeter

Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks

Three-point shooting has been a struggle for the Milwaukee Bucks this series, as they have recorded abysmal percentages from beyond the arc. However, the Bucks found their range in front of the Phoenix Suns' home crowd as they converted 50% of their 3-point attempts.

Pat Connaughton & Jrue Holiday Shooting The Lights Out From DEEP.Combined 7-10 from 3-Point Range. #NBAFinals2021 #MilwaukeeBucks #FearTheDeer

— Matt James (@themattjamesd) July 18, 2021

Pat Connaughton led the way for the Bucks, knocking down four of his six attempts. Holiday and Middleton were also significant contributors in that regard. Although the Phoenix Suns had a better percentage from range, it was not enough to secure the victory.