Jrue Holiday appreciates heartfelt reunion in Milwaukee despite blowout Loss

Celtics guard Jrue Holiday returned to his previous stomping grounds Thursday evening. As a core member of the Milwaukee Bucks 2020-2021 championship crew, his homecoming was greeted with open arms and a tribute video, however rapidly became a impolite welcome again on the court docket.

Previous to the matchup, Vacation was business-like along with his anticipated arrival in Milwaukee. Whereas he was unable to forecast his feelings, the guard was very blunt about his expectations and present focus.

“We’re a superb crew,” Vacation informed NBC Boston Wednesday evening. “We’ve beat them earlier than. I’m very assured that now we have a superb likelihood to beat them once more. So, I feel to have the ability to return to Milwaukee ought to be enjoyable. Once more, a spot the place I used to be there for 3 years, and we did nice issues there, however I’m on to higher issues.”

Vacation struggled enormously in his return, however brief it was. -31 on the court docket, he completed with six factors, two assists, and 4 rebounds, on 2-9 (22 percent) from the sector. Unable to get into any rhythm, the ground normal missed a number of open photographs past the perimeter.

Unable to get stops defensively, Mazzulla shifted to a zone usually within the first half. Sticking Vacation on Giannis Antetokounmpo, #4 was usually positioned in the course of a 2-1-2 zone. By inserting him close to the free throw line, he had the flexibility to change on decide and rolls and redirect visitors.

This defensive scheme clearly wasn’t working, because the Bucks shot 50 p.c from downtown within the first half.

Though Vacation didn’t have his greatest efficiency, he obtained a heat welcome from the Bucks group and their followers. A heartfelt tribute video exhibited a mix of highlights and accolades he achieved in three years as a Buck.

Without end a member of that championship roster, the Celtics guard expressed gratitude for his former crew. He obtained loads of cheers and a standing ovation from Bucks followers.

“It was superior,” stated Vacation. “My stint right here, I had a good time, and it was actually enjoyable. I had some nice reminiscences, and shared a few of these reminiscences on the jumbotron. The followers right here have at all times been nice, been supportive of me and my household, and the crew right here. It was positively a enjoyable place to play.”

Regardless of a horrible consequence for his new crew, Vacation had no onerous emotions after the Bucks 135-102 bloodbath over the Celtics.

“It was cool, it was cool to be again,” Vacation informed the media. “It felt snug strolling in, I simply walked differently. Seeing acquainted faces, saying hiya to folks that I’d seen for the final three years.:

Describing the matchup as a “reunion,” the C’s guard will endlessly maintain a bit of Milwaukee in his coronary heart.

“I simply recognize what the Bucks have finished for me and my household,” Vacation informed the press. “All the things that we’ve been by, the town of Milwaukee, what it means to me and my household. It was cool to return again, cool to have the video — I’m glad its over.”