The Boston Celtics know it is nearly impossible to win when Jrue Holiday misses his 3-point shots in the playoffs, and the Blazers just found that out. The two-time All-Star had just eight points on three of 14 shooting from the field in the Blazers’ Game 5 loss to end the series. Holiday was one of six from 3-point range on Tuesday night. His outside shooting again told the tale for his team.
Celtics fans know this story. Holiday shot 40.2 percent from 3-point range during the championship run. Boston lost just three playoff games in 2024, and Holiday was three of ten from long range in those defeats. Last season, the veteran guard shot 34.6 percent in the playoffs and was two of 13 in the four losses to the Knicks. When Holiday struggles from three, his team rarely wins.
The 6’4 guard made 35.2 percent of his three in this series, but was a combined two for 13 in the Game 1 and 5 defeats. Fans know Holiday is a plus shooter and an outstanding two-way weapon, but he can be streaky from 3-point range. The veteran had three outstanding games in this series first round series against the Spurs and two duds. That wasn’t enough for a heavy underdog to extend the series beyond five games.
It is tough to win when Holiday isn’t making shots
Celtics fans love Holiday. He played a key role in the 2024 championship and continues to support his former team. The 35-year-old was traded before this season as Boston looked to get their finances in order. The Celtics got Anfernee Simons in return, who was flipped for Nikola Vucevic at the deadline. It was a painful move, but one Boston needed to make to dodge the dreaded aprons.
This is no knock on Holiday. Every team struggles when key players don’t make shots. Holiday is a two-time All-Star and played a crucial role in two different championship teams. His team needs him firing on all cylinders in the most important games.
The Blazers only mustered 95 points in the deciding Game 5. Deni Avdija had 22 points, but nobody stepped up with him. Portland needed Holiday to go off, but he made just three of his 14 field goal attempts. The veteran didn’t have it going from anywhere, and it sent his team packing.
The Celtics saw this last year. They desperately needed Holiday to step up in their second-round series against the Knicks, but he had just four points in the Game 4 loss and four more in the deciding Game 6. When Holiday doesn’t show up, his team doesn’t win.
The Boston Celtics could use Jrue Holiday right now as they battle the Philadelphia 76ers. They miss his elite defense most as they try to slow down Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe on the perimeter. Boston would be living and dying based on Holiday’s shooting just like the Blazers did in this series. When he missed shots, Portland had no chance. Same story, different year with the two-time All-Star.
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