Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to tying the NBA Finals against the Suns

Keys for the Milwaukee Bucks heading into Game 4: Bucks backcourt must continue to step up

The atrocious play of the Bucks starting backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton were huge reasons why the Bucks found themselves facing an 0-2 deficit. If the Bucks plan on making it a competitive series then they must get solid production out of both players.

In Games 1 and 2, Holiday and Middleton combined to go 22-77 from the field. In Game 3 they shot a combined 14-28 and were much more consistent as they gave the Bucks the production they needed outside of Antetokounmpo’s in order to be victorious. Despite his lackluster performances Holiday is still a valuable contributor with his versatile ball-handling and his defensive presence and brings pressure which often leads to turnovers and scoring opportunities.

Holiday finally came alive in Game 3 as he was productive off the dribble and showed that he was capable of being the shot creator and underrated scorer we know he is capable of being. If Holiday can continue to play on this level it alone dramatically increases the Bucks’ chances at capturing the series. Middleton also has to play well and play like the all-star caliber player he is.

The Bucks can’t afford for him to struggle with bouts of inconsistency as he is the second-most important player on the team as the Bucks depend on him to carry the offensively whenever Antetokounmpo goes to the bench to rest up. Middleton stepped up in Game 3 as he was adept at finding his jump shot with the smooth touch and confidence we are used to seeing from him.