The Boston Celtics’ NBA title defense is off to a positive start after they notched a 103-86 win against the Orlando Magic last Sunday.
Derrick White poured in 30 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and seven three-pointers on 10-for-18 shooting from the field. Payton Pritchard scored 19 points off the bench, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown added 17 and 16 points.
Jrue Holiday registered nine points, three rebounds, five assists, and three steals on 3-for-6 shooting from the field. However, despite the modest numbers (by his standards), he was instrumental in the victory.
The two-time NBA champion made his impact on the defensive end. According to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston, the NBA tracking had Holiday holding Orlando Magic players to five points on 2-for-10 shooting when he was the primary defender.
Boston Celtics News: Jrue Holiday receives praise from Orlando Magic’s Jamahl Mosley
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said Jrue Holiday helped set the tone for the Boston Celtics in Game 1 with his superb defense and three-point shooting.
“Jrue’s always been disruptive,” Mosley said about Holiday via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “There’s a reason why he’s always in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. Because he’s just so smart.”
As mentioned, Holiday was a menace on the defensive end in Game 1, which included holding Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero to only two points combined on 1-for-7 shooting from the field and three turnovers as their primary defender.
