When the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard last summer, they didn’t anticipate Jrue Holiday ending up on the Boston Celtics. Fewer than nine months later, the Celtics added an 18th championship banner to their all-time NBA ledger, and Holiday played a crucial role in that achievement.
Transforming the Celtics
Holiday made the Celtics an entirely different team in both tangible and intangible ways. Thriving in a role where he did not have to be a primary scorer or creator, Holiday filled all the right gaps and elevated Boston’s defense to a suffocating level.
Brad Stevens’ tenure as the Celtics' front-office leader has been marked by some incredible trades. Hiring Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White stand out as excellent moves in recent memory. However, many argue that acquiring Holiday surpassed even these achievements.
Defensive Prowess on Display
Holiday’s defensive prowess was particularly highlighted during the series against the Dallas Mavericks. In that series, Holiday emerged as Boston’s most valuable player, capable of shutting down any opponent. Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving found themselves unable to generate consistent offensive leverage against Holiday's formidable defense.
In Game 2 of the series, Holiday delivered a standout performance, putting up numbers that have not been seen since Michael Jordan in 1998. Holiday scored at least 38 points with zero turnovers through the first two games of the Finals, an extraordinary feat against a tough Mavericks team.
Despite Jaylen Brown's impressive play, it was Holiday who had Dončić and Irving in virtual shackles whenever he was on the floor. His consistency throughout the series was remarkable, and his impact on the game was undeniable.
Impact on Both Ends of the Court
Holiday’s contributions extended beyond defense. He consistently made smart plays with the ball or cut to the right spot, enhancing his team's offensive performance. His ball-hawk instincts also helped secure long offensive rebounds, adding another layer to his comprehensive skill set.
During the playoffs, Holiday wrapped up with impressive 50-40-95 shooting splits. In the Finals, he averaged just under 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 53/42/100 shooting splits. Holiday even scored the first six points for the Celtics in the clinching game, capitalizing on opportunities in the dunker’s spot while Jayson Tatum drew defensive attention.
Holiday's consistency was a catalyst for Boston’s championship run. Notably, he earned himself a $1.2 million bonus for winning the championship and checked off every incentive bonus available to him, totaling an extra $2.8 million in what has truly been a dream season.
A Hall of Fame Career in the Making
In less than a year, Holiday went from discovering he had been traded from the Bucks upon waking from a nap, to winning the second championship of what is becoming a Hall of Fame career. His impact on the Celtics has been immeasurable, providing them with both defensive stability and offensive versatility.
In professional sports, sometimes a single player can indeed make all the difference. And for the Celtics, that player was undoubtedly Jrue Holiday.
Voices from the NBA
NBA analysts and players alike have lauded Holiday's performance. "I’m sure it happened at some point, but I can’t recall Holiday getting truly beat one time in this series," stated an NBA analyst. "Against Dončić and Irving? That is an insane thing to say."
Jalen Brunson echoed this sentiment, calling Holiday "the best defender in the league." His lateral movement, flexibility, strength, and anticipation were otherworldly and demoralized opponents to the point where they hesitated to even want the ball in their hands.
A Bright Future Ahead
If the Celtics' experience with Holiday is any indication, teams across the league may be eyeing him as a potential difference-maker. Whether on the Knicks, Sixers, Clippers, or Lakers, having Holiday on the roster would likely make them strong contenders for a title.
Holiday’s ability to play at such a high level consistently, especially in high-stakes situations, sets him apart. His exceptional season with the Boston Celtics confirms that in the world of professional basketball, he is a player who can single-handedly elevate a team to championship status.