Milwaukee Bucks played Jrue Holiday stepped on court for just 8 seconds in the final game of the regular season vs the Cleveland Cavaliers, which earned him around $306,000. Being just one appearance away from fetching a hefty bonus, Holiday came in the game, only to pick up a foul and get himself out of the contest.
Milwaukee Bucks have already positioned themselves in the playoffs and gave rest to their starters for the final game against Cleveland Cavaliers. The only exception was Point Guard Jrue Holiday, who started the game and replaced it in just 8 seconds of playtime. This unique and never seen play was specially designed for the star point guard so that he will qualify for the proposed hefty bonus in his contract.
Jrue started the game with 4 other reserves and fouled Darius Garland mid-court with just 8 seconds passed in 1st quarter. He was quickly replaced by reserve guard Lindell Wigginton who handled the ball for the remainder of the game.
Jrue Holiday earns hefty sum with never-seen-before foul
Milwaukee Bucks had a mega 4-team deal in November 2020 centered on Jrue Holiday. They specifically were looking for a defensive ball-handler who can create plays for their Franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo. They agreed 4-year $150 million contract with the talented player, out of which $ 130 million are guaranteed and the remaining amount as varying bonuses.
To those whoa re not aware, it is this varying bonus part amount that Jrue was due, which he qualified as he played in his 67th game of the regular season. After clearing the benchmark for the bonus, Jrue celebrated the 8-second play with his teammates. Clearly hyping marquee star Giannis.
Coach Mike Budenholzer opted to rest his stars and give bench players some playing time against the Cavs. The second seeded Milwaukee Bucks were playing against “play-in” bound Cavaliers. The Cavs had their near regular team, playing in the game. As they want to be in the perfect shape to face the Brooklyn Nets.
Playing with just 7 players in the match – and Jrue playing just 8 seconds, Milwaukee scored 115 points in the game. Jordan Nwora and Sandro Mamukelashvii scored a double-double in the game. But resilient and highly unpredictable Cavaliers won the game with a strong performance from their big men, Evan Mobley and Lauri Markannen.
Also Read: Lakers star LeBron James delivers perfect 3-word response to Jrue Holiday’s $306k foul
Jrue Holiday’s impact on the Milwaukee Bucks
Bucks benefitted from the Holiday-trade as the impact of the star player was quite visible in the very 1st season. Giannis was out of the final 2 games in the Conference finals against the resilient Atlanta Hawks. But Jrue holiday made some impactful plays in game 5 and game 6 closing out the series earlier than expected. He averaged 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 11 assists in those 2 games.
While in the NBA final Jrue was marshaling Suns’ prolific point guard Chris Paul. After Chris’ game-winning display in game 1, Holiday shut him down in the series, which helped Giannis and the team win their Championship rings.
