Game 5 of the NBA Finals can be a pivotal moment for the series.
This series fits that description.
Heading into Game 5, the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns were tied 2-2.
The winner of this game was going to have a massive advantage in the series and be one step closer to becoming a champion.
This game was spectacular from start to finish.
The Suns got off to a big lead just for the Bucks to pull back.
Throughout this game, both teams had times where it looked as if they were pulling away.
However, the game came down to the wire with the Bucks ultimately prevailing.
This was a special game that showcased two top teams of the league.
We did not expect this series, but we sure do appreciate it now.
Game 5 of this NBA Finals solidified this series as being one of the best in recent times.
Despite the name recognition between teams, or superstars who have been on this stage before, we are seeing a classic series.
Game 5 brought us some great moments that we should not forget.
3. The Almost Dunk
The first quarter was an onslaught delivered by the Suns.
The Bucks had the momentum coming in after winning the previous two games.
However, the Suns were scorching hot in the beginning of this game.
A play that signified this amazing start was a dunk by Devin Booker with Giannis Antetokounmpo trying to foul him in the act.
If only that play would have counted.
This didn’t count, but holy Devin Booker dunk through the Giannis contact 🤯
— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) July 18, 2021
There was a loose-ball foul committed on the other end before Booker even touched the ball.
However, the place was so loud that no one could hear the whistle.
What transpired next got the place going crazier than before, despite it not even counting.
Booker stared down Antetokounmpo after the dunk and the Suns took off.
A 37-point first quarter occurred and the Suns looked poised to take a 3-2 series.
2. Shot Making On Both Sides
With less than four minutes left to go in the game, both sides decided to make some very clutch shots.
Big time shot-making and play-making down the stretch 🔥
Relive the fantastic finish to last night's Game 5 thriller in Phoenix! #NBAFinals #ThatsGame
3-2 MIL lead… GAME 6: Tuesday, 9pm/et, ABC pic.twitter.com/Kn2IluN79P
— NBA (@NBA) July 18, 2021
Khris Middleton began the shooting display with a tough and-1 jump shot over Jae Crowder.
Chris Paul followed that up by hitting a three to make it a seven-point lead for the Bucks.
That shot was the beginning of a run that brought the lead to just one.
Booker made a clutch three and Paul followed that up with a potential and-1 that was not called.
Tough shots were made by both sides, but there was a moment with the game down in its final seconds that propelled the Bucks to victory.
1. Jrue Steal To A Giannis Dunk
For most of the series, Jrue Holiday has struggled.
However, Game 5 was a different story.
Holiday finished with 27 points and 13 assists on the night.
Even though his offense finally got going; that was not the best part of his night.
With 19 seconds to go, and a one-point lead, Holiday stripped Booker of the ball.
Booker was on the cusp of taking the lead and potentially the game.
Holiday played amazing defense, which then led to an excellent pass from him to Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo sprinted down the court and demanded the alley oop from Holiday.
He got it and finished it plus the foul.
WHAT A PLAY BY JRUE HOLIDAY 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/7mrtEByuju
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2021
This was the play that put the Bucks over the hump.
They were close to giving this game away, but Holiday and Antetokounmpo refused to let that happen.
NEXT: Why Chris Paul Will Bounce Back For Suns In Game 5