Milwaukee Bucks 123-119 Phonix Suns: 5 Hits and flops as Jrue Holiday's clutch play seals the deal | 2021 NBA Finals

The NBA Finals continued on Saturday night with another thrilling game. The Milwaukee Bucks took the lead in the series over the Phoenix Suns by pulling away late for a 123-119 win.

Despite trailing by 16 at the conclusion of the first quarter, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to right the ship in time to enter the halftime break with a two-point lead. The Phoenix Suns didn't let them take the game easily, battling in the second half but ultimately falling short.

The Bucks have now won three games in a row after starting the series with two losses. They can win the NBA Championship by winning Game 6 back on their home court. The Game 5 thriller was the first game in the series that saw the road team victorious.

#1 Hit: Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)

Khris Middleton

Milwaukee Bucks wing Khris Middleton showed up yet again in a massive way to follow up his big Game 4 performance. He once again hit big shots and proved to be a key closer for the Milwaukee Bucks.

For the first time in the NBA Finals series, Middleton shot over 50 percent from the field. He hit 12-23 shots, got to his spots with ease and converted all night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton join Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in 2012 as the only pair of teammates to each have 500 points and 100 assists in a single postseason. pic.twitter.com/IKLHC0DinT

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 18, 2021

The Phoenix Suns were unable to prevent Middleton from getting to his areas of the court, primarily in the mid-range. When the Milwaukee Bucks needed big shots late, they went to their well-rounded offensive wing and he converted.

After failing to get to the free-throw line in the first two games of the series, Middleton has gotten there in each of the last three games, all of which have been wins for the Milwaukee Bucks.

#2 Flop: Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns)

Deandre Ayton

Despite a strong stat line in the Game 5 loss, Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns comes in as a miss due to the minutes he played and the lack of impact he was able to have over the course of those minutes.

He finished with a double-double, 20 and 10. He hit all six of his free throw attempts and blocked a couple of shots, as well. The Phoenix Suns big man put up numbers across the board.

"Everything." Deandre Ayton on what it'll take to win Game 6. On facing elimination: "We're the desperate team." #Suns

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) July 18, 2021

Still, Ayton played 45 minutes in the game and grabbed just 10 rebounds. Double digit boards is good production but not when you've been rebounding at the rate Ayton has been and you barely came off the court.

In addition to that, Ayton failed to demand the ball on a few possessions that he had much smaller players switched onto him. He needs to demand and get the ball on those possessions and his life will be easier as well as the lives of each and every one of his fellow Phoenix Suns.

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#3 Hit: Pat Connaughton (Milwaukee Bucks)

Pat Connaughton

Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton showed up massively in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and wound up playing a crucial role in the victory.

Connaughton shot 46% from the field, all shots from behind the three-point line. He showed no hesitation and continued taking and making those shots late in the game. One three, in particular, answered a Phoenix Suns basket late.

Pat Connaughton, leader of the Bench Mob:14 PTS | 6 REB | 4/6 3PT pic.twitter.com/ZAh3YeryVk

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 18, 2021

Connaughton hit the corner three to help the Milwaukee Bucks extend their lead and prevent the Phoenix Suns from gaining any momentum. His confidence and production were absolutely crucial over the course of the game and he was a key piece outside of the Milwaukee Bucks' big three.

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#4 Flop: P.J. Tucker (Milwaukee Bucks)

P.J. Tucker

Versatile defender P.J. Tucker comes in as a miss from Game 5 despite doing his best to slow down the Phoenix Suns' best players, primarily Devin Booker. The Suns star still finished the game with 40 points.

Obviously, not all of that came with Tucker defending him, but quite a few of his baskets did come from possessions in which Tucker failed to stick with Booker. It may not be fair to expect him to stay with Booker but if that's what is being asked of him, that is what he must be graded on.

Time and time again Booker was able to either get by Tucker or create significant room for his jumpshot. A number of times those shots were wide open mid-range shots that Booker is known to knock down with ease.

Tucker also finished with five fouls over 24 minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks. The Phoenix Suns will be hoping Tucker struggles again next game to stick with Booker or any other player he matches up with.

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#5 Hit: Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)

Jrue Holiday

Another Milwaukee Bucks player rounds out the list. This time it is Jrue Holiday, who played a key role all game but did that especially in a massive moment of the game.

WHAT A PLAY BY JRUE HOLIDAY 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/7mrtEByuju

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2021

After the Phoenix Suns got off to their great start in the first quarter, Holiday played a vital role in the MIlwaukee Bucks clawing back into the game. He made shots and got teammates good looks while also being the defender he is well known to be.

Late in the game, Holiday made a number of crucial defensive plays on the Phoenix Suns' best players. One that stood out was a late-game steal that led to a transition three from two-way guard.

If the Phoenix Suns are going to extend the series to a seventh game, they are going to have to do a much better job containing Holiday and limiting his impact on both ends of the court.