When the Boston Celtics traded for Jrue Holiday in the offseason, they were hoping to get the championship version of him. Holiday, who was an integral part of the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks championship, has provided the Celtics with the best version of himself.
On Tuesday night in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, Holiday was magnificent and probably the C's best player. With Holiday being the Celtics' fourth option, it has unlocked him to play freely and be a dominant force defensively. The current version of Holiday is everything the Cs could have hoped for and more.
In Game 1, Holiday played 48 minutes, finishing with a near triple-double. Holiday had 28 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three timely steals. The defense that Holiday played, especially in the fourth quarter and overtime was superb. He effectively helped take Tyrese Haliburton out of his flow, shutting him down in key possessions.
pic.twitter.com/f7qa6ZUNZC https://t.co/PC1JwiFfIy
— Ant ☘️🏀 (@GangCeltics) May 22, 2024
Over the past five or six games, it feels like I walk out of every one of them saying that Holiday just played his best game as a Celtic. That’s how good Holiday has been for the Celtics and it's coming at the right time.
Although Marcus Smart was a great Celtic, I think Holiday is proving that he is more valuable. The timely plays Holiday had on Tuesday and his near triple-double is a level that I don’t think Smart ever reached.
Jrue Holiday over his last 4 playoff games (4-0):
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) May 22, 2024
18.8/6.3/5.5/1.5 on 60/50% splits with 3.0 3PM a game
Jrue Holiday extension aging well for the Boston Celtics
The recent form from Holiday should also make the Cs feel excellent about the four-year $135 million extension they gave him this season. Keeping Holiday locked in with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is going to be crucial for the Cs moving forward.
Holiday is more than capable of helping the Celtics restore the championship pedigree that once existed on the beautiful parquet floor.