The New York Knicks wanted to express themselves, and they certainly did that after the Boston Celtics missed a record 45 threes in their Game 1 loss against the Knicks.
For the Celtics, Jrue Holiday returned to the lineup, which created a sense of optimism in another otherwise gloomy night for the Celtics.
Holiday missed the final three games of the Celtics’ series triumph against the Orlando Magic. Now that he’s back, he could have a say in his matchup against the ever-impressive Jalen Brunson. In fact, Holiday gave an injury update after the game against the Knicks, and there was some positive news for the fans.
Jrue Holiday Gives Positive Injury Update Ahead of Crucial Game 2
The two-time NBA champion remains crucial to the team with his immaculate perimeter defense. His absence leaves a gaping hole in Joe Mazulla’s defensive schemes, which makes it all the more pertinent Holiday’s update all the more pertinent.
“No issues. Felt pretty fresh. It was good to be back out there,” Holiday said. The reporters inquired about how the injury happened, and Holiday mentioned, “I just made a move and pulled it or strained it.”
Jrue Holiday said his hamstring felt good tonight:
“No issues. Felt pretty fresh. It was good to be back out there.” pic.twitter.com/wRk9LRdsV1
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 6, 2025
Hamstring injuries are common for athletes, as Holiday plays high-intensity defense every time he steps on the court.
As for his game statistics, Holiday performed adequately on his return. He scored 16 points in 38:56 minutes, grabbed six rebounds and dished three assists. Holiday also added a steal, and his defense did trouble the Knicks but it couldn’t get Boston over the line.
His matchup came against Brunson, who scored 29 points. However, Holiday’s pressure forced Brunson into having an inefficient shooting night, as he shot 9/23 from the field.
More: Celtics Fans Rage Against Jayson Tatum and Co. After Abysmal 3-Point Display vs. Knicks
Jrue Holiday: A Defensive Linchpin
Although he could improve on his offense, Holiday’s role remains to be a physical, annoying, suffocating presence on defense.
Holiday’s versatile defense helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the title with a defensive win shares rating of 1.6. Moving forward to the Celtics’ title run, Holiday had a defensive box +/- of 1.6.
In his two playoff games this season, he averaged 2.5 in the defensive box +/-, hustling for the ball and tipping passes by cutting the lanes. With a career steal percentage of 1.9, Holiday’s skill set often becomes the point of difference in high-intensity games.
Heading into Game 2, the Celtics could use a victory, as it’s a similar case for the league’s top three seeds.
Shutting down Brunson will be key to the Celtics getting past this round, and with Holiday back in top shape, Boston will hope he can keep the Knicks’ clinical scorer in check.
