After being sidelined for a week with a troubling finger injury, Jrue Holiday has been back on the court for five games. During these five games, Holiday has been very impressive and notably more aggressive. Holiday elevating his level of play certainly improves the Boston Celtics’ title chances. Additionally, three weeks ago, Holiday’s teammate Jaylen Brown called for Jrue to be more aggressive. Let’s dive into Holiday’s recent play and how he is answering Brown’s call.
Jrue Holiday is Responding to Jaylen Brown’s Challenge
For the season, Holiday is averaging 11 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 44.5/34.3/90 shooting splits. Over the last five games, Holiday is averaging 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. This includes a season-high 25-point (five threes) outing in a win against the Miami Heat and a 12-assist performance in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Moreover, Holiday’s 25 points are a Celtics’ regular season career-high, his 15 field goal attempts were the second highest of the season and his 12 were also a season-high. Holiday was the Celtics’ most consistent and efficient offensive option against the Heat, shooting 66 percent from the field and 62 percent from three. He is answering Brown’s challenge, and the Celtics are benefiting from it. Holiday’s recent play is even more impressive since he’s coming off an injury. In Brown’s original comments, three weeks ago he said the following regarding Holiday’s aggressiveness.
“If we want to go where we want to go, we need Jrue to be a dog… We need Jrue to be more aggressive. I need Jrue to be more aggressive because when he’s in that mode — that attack mode — I think we’re better than when he’s kind of sitting back, taking a back seat…When Jrue and (Derrick White) are aggressive, it’s a good sign for our team.”
Brown’s leadership often inspires his teammates, and his comments are backed up with plenty of evidence. In his time with the Celtics, including the playoffs when Holiday scores 14 or more points, Boston has an incredible 50-3 record. Holiday’s scoring aggression was on full display during the Celtics’ dominant championship run in 2024, which included a 26-point performance in Game 2 of the NBA Finals and a 28-point outing in the Eastern Conference Finals. Throughout his career, Holiday has mainly been a second option, however, he has bought into a crucial yet smaller role with the Celtics. Nevertheless, when Holiday is scoring at a high level, the Celtics are even more dangerous.
Crazy Jrue Holiday stat for you:
The Celtics are 50-3 all time when Holiday scores 14+ points (9-0 in the Postseason) pic.twitter.com/QwLazeWAeH
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) March 15, 2025
Holiday’s All-Around Impact
On Saturday’s game, Holiday only scored 11 points, however, his 12 assists were a sign of his offensive aggression. Despite being the starting point guard, Holiday is typically more of a connective playmaker with the Celtics. During the Nets game, Holiday took on more lead playmaking and ballhandling responsibilities, he was constantly looking for ways to get all of his teammates involved. Holiday’s presence as a playmaker was crucial without Derrick White. He was especially effective as a playmaker to the Celtics’ big men, throwing a variety of entry and lob passes, eight of his assists were to centers including six to Kristaps Porziņģis. Notably, Holiday’s usage rate against the Nets (17.7) and Heat (21) was higher than his season average of 15.9.
One area Holiday is always aggressive in is defense. Holiday’s elite versatility and on-ball defense set the tone for the Celtics defensively. He is also active off-ball, averaging a steal and .5 blocks a game. Holiday posts a defensive field goal percentage of 43.4, including a 32.9 DFG on three-pointers, and ranks in the 92nd percentile for defensive plus-minus. The Celtics’ switch-heavy defense depends on Holiday’s unmatched versatility. After their win against the Heat, Joe Mazzulla discussed how Holiday’s impact often goes overlooked.
Asked Joe Mazzulla about Jrue Holiday impact & whether he thinks he can kind of be overlooked:
“It’s not kind of — it is overlooked, but it’s overlooked because that’s just the type of person that he is.”
“I’m really happy for him… we’re really grateful to have him.” pic.twitter.com/Cz5ybF1g6p
— Noa Dalzell
(@NoaDalzell) March 15, 2025
In a team loaded with star power and scoring, it makes sense that Holiday’s well-rounded impact can get overlooked. If his scoring numbers continue to increase, more people will give Holiday the credit he deserves. Nevertheless, with his elite defense, connective playmaking, and spot-up shooting, Holiday will always be a key contributor to the Celtics. Overall, Holiday’s recent play is an encouraging sign for him and the Celtics.
Photo credit: © John Jones-Imagn Images
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