Jrue Holiday’s Celtics debut
The new-look Celtics pulled away late to hold off the Knicks in New York for the opening night victory, 108-104. Jayson Tatum had a game-high 34 points, while Kristaps Porzingis had 30 points and 4 blocks in his Celtics debut. Porzingis was not the only player to make their Celtics debut. Jrue Holiday had a big role in the opening night victory, you may not see it on the box score. He was tremendous defensively.
Holiday matched up with the Knicks’ two best players in Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. Holiday held Brunson to zero points, 0-4 shooting on 17 possessions. RJ Barrett also saw Holiday on six possessions and held him to two points on 1-4 shooting. Holiday had his most impressive performance matching up against Randle on 23 possessions, holding him to 2 points on 1-10 shooting. Randle has a significant size advantage and Holiday more than held his own, including 2 blocks on the all-star. The Knicks shot 4-23 when Holiday was the primary defender.
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Jrue Holiday in his Celics debut
9 points
4-10 shooting
1-5 from 3
4 rebounds
3 blocks
35 minutes
The fact he can cover multiple positions defensively and get help defense from Porzingis will help this team late in games. The 2022 Celtics would lose this type of game a year ago. The Knicks shot 10-48 vs Holiday and Porzingis. The new additions helped on a night where Jaylen Brown struggled on both sides of the ball. The reason why they are in Boston. One reason why there are high expectations for the Celtics this season.
Listen to Joe Murray & Cerrone Battle on Celtics postgame.
