INDIANAPOLIS — As Jrue Holiday was everywhere in the final minute of the Celtics’ Game 3 win over the Pacers, the guard’s impact was painfully obvious. But this time, in Game 4 on Monday, Holiday came up big in the clutch without necessarily scoring. After Jayson Tatum’s 3-pointer went up with just seconds left in regulation, Holiday soared high into the air for the offensive rebound.
After the rebound, Holiday passed the ball before getting fouled and then Jaylen Brown lobbed the ball high in the air, meaning there was no chance of a Pacers comeback. So there was Holiday, once again, making a clutch play as the Celtics secured the sweep over the Pacers and an NBA Finals berth.
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“Just really excited that we did this as a team and it wasn’t just one person or a couple people,” Holiday said. “We knew when (Kristaps Porzingis) went down, people would have to step up and everybody did. From Jayson (Tatum) and (Jaylen Brown) all the way down to Oshae (Brissett), who got in and played great minutes. So, great team effort. Coaching staff did great in preparing us for this whole series and making adjustments on the fly and all that. So it’s been really exciting to get this one.”
Holiday was brought in to make the plays he’s shown throughout the East Finals and playoffs. The Celtics finally met some resistance in the form of clutch games this series. They had dominated the first two rounds of the playoffs, going 8-2, and only playing one close game. But they played three tight games in the East Finals — and they were just about perfect in executing their way to three tight wins.
So as the Celtics head to the Finals — where they will most likely take on the Mavericks — there were also some learning lessons from the conference finals. Holiday has also turned up his play after a slow start to the playoffs, showcasing why the front office traded for him right before training camp. Holiday, who’s the lone player on the roster with a ring, can now help the C’s get to the same highs he experienced earlier in his career.
“I try my best to stay faithful, stay grounded and, most importantly, have fun,” Holiday said. “If you can’t enjoy this, then I don’t know what you can’t enjoy. Not too many people get a chance to be in the Eastern Conference finals, and I know it can be a lot of pressure and a lot of buildup. But this is what we play for. This is what this is what the game is about.”
