BOSTON — The atmosphere inside TD Garden was palpable as the Celtics headed to the locker room at halftime during their first-round playoff matchup against the Orlando Magic. The crowd was uncertain, with only a few fans clapping, while the rest remained silent, reflecting the tension following a rocky start for Boston. After losing a double-digit lead and trailing by one point at the break, the Celtics faced an uphill battle for the remainder of the game.
In the locker room, veteran player Jrue Holiday emphasized the need for increased energy. "We just knew, going into the third, we needed some energy," said teammate Al Horford. Holiday's impact was evident as he lifted the team both offensively and defensively, ultimately changing the momentum of the game.
Just two minutes into the third quarter, Holiday showcased his defensive prowess against Franz Wagner. He maneuvered expertly to avoid an approaching screen, forcing Wagner into a difficult shot attempt that ricocheted off the backboard. Holiday quickly tapped the rebound to Jaylen Brown before sprinting down the court. After receiving an outlet pass, Holiday created space for a smooth step-back 3-pointer, sinking the shot and igniting the Celtics’ run.
The Celtics continued to build on their momentum. On the next possession, Holiday's strong defense against Paolo Banchero led to another missed shot, which he again helped secure for his team. Instead of taking another shot himself, Holiday dished the ball to Derrick White for an easy layup, extending the Celtics' run to 7-0 at the start of the second half. Overall, Boston outscored Orlando 30-18 in the third quarter, a testament to their revitalized energy.
Despite only scoring nine points and attempting just six shots throughout the game, Holiday’s influence was undeniable. He led the Celtics with his defensive intensity and hustle, earning praise from teammates. "That’s the Jrue I love, you know what I mean?" said Brown, recalling their fierce competitive history.
Holiday's performance during the third quarter was a reminder of his potential to dominate playoff games. He aggressively battled for rebounds and played tight defense against Orlando’s talented wings, transforming defensive plays into offensive opportunities for Boston.
As the game progressed, Holiday’s confidence surged. Approximately four minutes into the third quarter, he stole the ball from Wagner and pulled up for another 3-pointer, forcing the Magic to call a timeout after the Celtics took a 63-53 lead. “It’s playoff basketball,” Holiday remarked. “You can feel the energy in the arena. It’s just one of those feelings, like, ‘We’re here.’”
Game 1 not only marked a significant moment for Holiday but also served to dispel doubts stemming from his earlier shooting slump this season. Historically, he has thrived in the playoffs, averaging impressive stats while taking on difficult defensive roles.
In addition to Holiday's contributions, the Celtics' backcourt stepped up significantly. Derrick White led the team with 30 points, shooting 10-for-18 from the field, including an impressive 7-for-12 from beyond the arc. Payton Pritchard also made his mark, adding 19 points in 24 minutes off the bench. Their performance was crucial, especially considering that stars Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis combined for only 38 points on a disappointing 15-for-44 shooting.
After the game, Tatum underwent an X-ray on his right wrist due to a hard fall, but fortunately, the results were clean, and he stated he felt fine. However, the Celtics will need to adapt and find ways to score against the Magic’s formidable defense, which ranked second in the league during the regular season.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Brown noted the importance of maintaining a strong intensity throughout the series. "We gotta have that mentality all series long," he stated. "It’s gonna be more of a fight than it is skill." The Celtics' ability to match the physicality of the Magic will be critical as they aim to dominate the series.
As the playoffs progress, the Celtics will rely on Holiday's aggressive play style as a guiding force. "When he’s aggressive for us, we’re a different team," said head coach Joe Mazzulla. "Tonight, it started from his defense, and he changed it for us." With the right mindset, the Celtics are poised for a successful postseason run.
