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 have added an 18th championship banner to their all-time NBA ledger. Holiday's arrival transformed the Celtics in ways both tangible and intangible.
Holiday's Role Transformation
Holiday thrived in a role where he did not have to be a primary scorer or creator. He filled in all the right gaps and elevated Boston's defense to a suffocating level. Brad Stevens' tenure with the Celtics has been marked by some incredible trades, but many argue that acquiring Holiday surpassed even those achievements. His defensive prowess was particularly highlighted during the series against the Dallas Mavericks, where he was Boston's most valuable player.
The Defensive Mastermind
Holiday's capability to shut down any opponent was on full display. Until Jayson Tatum put up a line of 31-11-8-2 in the clincher, Holiday's Game 2 performance stood out as the single-game showing of the series. His performance mirrored that of Michael Jordan in 1998, being the only player to score at least 38 points with zero turnovers through the first two games of a Finals. The Mavericks' chances dwindled as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving found themselves unable to generate consistent offensive leverage.
Although Jaylen Brown was impressive, it was Holiday who had Doncic and Irving in virtual shackles whenever he was on the floor. His consistency throughout the series was remarkable. If you sign him, then a title shot is almost guaranteed. Holiday is the only player in the league to have won two championships over the last four years, playing a crucial role in leading the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Suns, where he rendered Chris Paul ineffective.
Universal Praise
Jalen Brunson recently called Holiday the best defender in the league. Holiday's lateral movement, flexibility, strength, and anticipation are otherworldly. He demoralizes opponents to the point where they hesitate to even want the ball in their hands. Beyond defense, Holiday consistently makes smart plays with the ball or cuts to the right spot. His ball-hawk instincts also help secure long offensive rebounds.
He wrapped up the playoffs with impressive 50-40-95 shooting splits. In the Finals, Holiday averaged just under 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 53/42/100 shooting splits. He scored the first six points for the Celtics on Monday, feasting in the dunker's spot throughout the series as Tatum drew the defense's attention. Doncic and Irving were all too happy to fall asleep as Holiday slipped in behind them.
Impact and Future
Holiday's contributions extended beyond the court. He earned himself a little more cash with the $1.2 million bonus worked into his contract for winning the championship. Moreover, he checked off every incentive bonus available to him, totaling an extra $2.8 million, in what has truly been a dream season. 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 looks to be a Hall of Fame career.
Holiday’s impact on the Celtics has been immeasurable. In the world of professional sports, sometimes a single player can indeed make all the difference. His presence ensures that teams like the Knicks, Sixers, Clippers, or Lakers would be serious title contenders.
Analyst and Player Remarks
An NBA analyst remarked, "I'm sure it happened at some point, but I can't recall Holiday getting truly beat one time in this series. Against Doncic and Irving? That is an insane thing to say." Brunson echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Holiday [is] the best defender in the league."
As the NBA continues to evolve with new talents and strategies, Holiday remains a benchmark for elite defending and smart, impactful playmaking. The Celtics’ latest championship not only celebrates team success but also underscores Holiday's individual brilliance and irreplaceable value.