The Boston Celtics have numerous game-changers on their side and it has come in handy in their finals against the Dallas Mavericks. But, the real question here is, what has changed for the Celtics, since the 2023 season?  Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards was a brilliant addition. However, the two-way excellence of Jrue Holiday in the playoffs this year has been pivotal, which might help the Celtics deliver another championship after 16 years. Jayson Tatum, who helped the team take 3-0 lead today, did not take Holiday’s presence for granted, who was acquired by the Celtics quite easily. 

Charles Barkley told Tatum in the postgame interview, “It’s a pleasure and a privilege to watch him [Holiday] play defense… He’s the biggest difference on y’all team this year.” The Celtics forward couldn’t agree more. Tatum shared how he was in disbelief after the Celtics acquired him. 

He said, “I don’t know how they let us get him but, I’m so happy that we got Jrue on our team. He just makes winning plays.” The Celtics traded their 2023 6MOTY Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams to the Portland Trailblazers for Holiday. The Blazers had acquired Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks for Damian Lillard previously. This was considered one of the biggest steals in the trade market last year, given the X-factors that the Celtics already had. A year later, Holiday and his team are now one game away from winning the championship. 

Joel Embiid put out a huge question on X after the Celtics defeated the Mavericks, 106-99. “Did the Bucks give them the championship?” asked the Sixers center, after Holiday impressed the NBA world with his flawless defense today. Draymond Green had an answer for it

Draymond Green replies to Joel Embiid’s stinging question to the Bucks

Green did not beat around the bush. The Golden State Warriors center who went live from his podcast replied to Embiid’s question to his YouTube audience. “The answer to Joel’s question is yes. They actually did. Because they traded Jrue away” said Green. He went on to share why the Bucks made a mistake by getting rid of the 2021 champion. 

“Jrue can guard bigger, so like, Jrue can play off the ball or on the ball, like there is no mismatch with Jrue… I think there are some other things that the Milwaukee could have done to keep Jrue. Because if you think about it’s crazy.” Green went on to credit Celtics general managed Brad Steven for making the Holiday trade possible. 

The playoff efficiency of Holiday is unmatched this season. In the 16 games he has played so far, Holiday is averaging 13.5 points, with a field goal percentage of 51.2 and a three-point percentage of 40.3. The 34-year-old filled in for Porzingis’s absence today with a two-way masterclass, and he is one game away from his second championship. 

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video: