In a thrilling matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday proved to be the difference-maker in a 122-115 Celtics victory. Holiday, who played for the Bucks from 2020 to 2023, came up clutch against his former team, scoring 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win for Boston.
The Milwaukee Bucks traded away All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday last season to get Damian Lillard. Friday night, Holiday made his old team pay down the stretch.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first three quarters. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, looked to be in control early on, taking a 10-point lead into the second quarter. However, the Celtics fought back, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for 23 points in the quarter to cut the deficit to just two points at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Bucks regain their lead, with Antetokounmpo dominating the paint and drawing fouls from the Celtics’ defenders. However, the Celtics’ bench, led by Holiday and Grant Williams, provided a much-needed spark, scoring 15 points in the quarter to keep the game within reach. As the quarter came to a close, the Bucks held a slim 90-85 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling fourth quarter.
The final quarter belonged to Holiday, who took over the game on both ends of the floor. He scored 10 straight points for the Celtics, including two three-pointers, to give them a 105-100 lead with just over 4 minutes remaining. The Bucks fought back, with Antetokounmpo scoring 5 points in a row to cut the deficit to just two points. However, Holiday was not to be denied, scoring 4 more points and dishing out two assists to seal the win for the Celtics.
Holiday’s performance was all the more impressive given the circumstances. Playing against his former team for the first time since being traded to the Celtics in the offseason, Holiday showed no signs of nerves or hesitation. Instead, he played with a calm and confident demeanor, using his quickness and agility to get past Bucks defenders and score easy baskets. His 25 points were a season-high, and his 7 assists and 5 rebounds were a testament to his all-around skills.
The win was a big one for the Celtics, who improved to 15-10 on the season. It was also a statement win, as they were able to defeat a top-tier team in the Bucks without their starting point guard, Marcus Smart, who was out with an injury. The Celtics’ bench, which has been a strength all season, came up big once again, outscoring the Bucks’ bench 43-25.
For the Bucks, the loss was a tough one to swallow. They had been playing some of their best basketball of the season, winning 5 of their last 6 games, and were looking to make a statement against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they were outplayed by the Celtics in the fourth quarter, and were unable to contain Holiday’s hot shooting.
Despite the loss, Antetokounmpo was his usual dominant self, scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, drawing fouls and finishing at the rim with ease. However, he was unable to get much help from his supporting cast, as the Bucks’ bench struggled to score and the team’s outside shooting was cold.
The game was a physical one, with both teams combining for 55 fouls and 67 free throw attempts. The Celtics were able to take advantage of the Bucks’ aggressiveness, drawing 34 fouls and making 24 of their 34 free throw attempts. The Bucks, on the other hand, made just 22 of their 33 free throw attempts, a difference that ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in the game.
As the Celtics celebrated their big win, Holiday was mobbed by his teammates and coaches. It was a moment of vindication for the veteran point guard, who had been traded away by the Bucks in the offseason. He had proven that he still had plenty to offer, and that he was a key component of the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
The win also marked a turning point for the Celtics, who had been struggling to find consistency on the road. They improved to 6-7 away from home, and showed that they were capable of beating top-tier teams on the road. With the win, they moved into third place in the Eastern Conference, just a half game behind the Bucks.
As for Holiday, he was his usual humble self in the post-game press conference. He deflected credit for the win, instead praising his teammates and coaches for their hard work and dedication. However, it was clear that he was proud of his performance, and that he was happy to have come out on top against his former team.
The Bucks, on the other hand, were left to ponder what could have been. They had played a great game, but had come up just short. They knew that they had the talent and the depth to compete with the best teams in the league, but they also knew that they had to be more consistent if they wanted to make a deep playoff run.
In the end, it was a game that will be remembered for a long time. It was a thrilling matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and it was a testament to the skill and determination of Jrue Holiday. As the Celtics celebrated their big win, they knew that they had something special in Holiday, and that they were lucky to have him on their team.
