Ever since he won a title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, Jrue Holiday has been a winner and the most underrated player in the NBA. He is the best off-ball point guard (oxymoron) in the NBA, and is continually one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the league.
After missing the final three games against the Orlando Magic in the first round, the New York Knicks were optimistic that he would be slower than his usual self as he remains hobbled with a hamstring injury, although he has been solid, especially on defense.
May 10, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to drive past Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) in the third quarter during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Through three games, Holiday is averaging 11.3 points and four assists, and is shooting a solid 58.3 percent from the floor.
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However, between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics don’t need their point guard to score.
Holiday has held Jalen Brunson to 27.8 percent shooting as the closest defender, and hinted at getting even better as the series moves forward.
Despite trailing the New York Knicks in the series 2-1, the Celtics, as defending champions, are familiar with what it takes to get through the postseason. Game 4 will tip off in New York on Monday night, and Boston will be looking to even up the series before it shifts back to TD Garden.
For the Celtics to have the best chance possible, keeping Holiday glued to Brunson and making life as tough as possible for the Clutch Player of the Year needs to be the top priority.
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