Inside The Celtics

Jaylen Brown Discusses Jrue Holiday’s Impact on Him

Jaylen Brown talked about his new teammate Jrue Holiday's importance to him after clinching the East's Group C on Wednesday night.

Rob Greene

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After facing off in many battles over the years, including in the playoffs, Jaylen Brown acknowledged his history with Jrue Holiday following the Boston Celtics' acquisition of the two-time All-Star at Media Day. He labeled Holiday as an assassin who plays with force, all before getting to square off in practice, matching up their strength and sharpening each other's tools.

Holiday and Brown have grown and gelled by the day. That includes their critical roles in Tuesday's 124-97 steamrolling of the Chicago Bulls, helping clinch Group C and advance to the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament.

After the win, the 2023 All-NBA wing talked about what it has been like to have his former rival now on his side.

"I think it's been great; Jrue's been great," Brown said. "Jrue's versatility and what he's been known for, I think, has helped me, I think all year. I think this is probably one of my better defensive years, on the ball and off the ball. I think I've definitely picked up off of his energy, so any time Jrue is on the floor making those reads, I've definitely learned a lot."

Brown knows how significant Holiday's leadership is to him and the team. The Celtics will continue to grow and learn, and Holiday's guidance will continue to be brought into the spotlight as the season goes on.

"I'm looking forward to our growth as a team, but Jrue's versatility has been key, and just his energy level," the former California Golden Bear added. "His presence on the defensive end, I think, has, you know, also helped me be a better defender this year, because I think I've been doing a lot better job in that area."

The Celtics will have a few days off before they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night at TD Garden on ESPN.

Further Reading

Celtics Share Their Perspective of NBA's Flawed but Successful In-Season Tournament

Celtics' Focus on Winning Habits Keys Blowout vs. Bulls, Helping Them Advance in In-Season Tournament

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Strategy Behind New Wrinkle Helping Celtics Win on the Margins

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Overcame Poor Second Half vs. Hawks Sunday

Celtics' Loss to Magic Highlights Their Most Concerning Traits

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Jrue Holiday Shares His Perspective on First Matchup vs. Bucks Since They Traded Him

Celtics Discuss Significance of Rivalry Win vs. 76ers for No. 1 Seed in East

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

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Rob Greene
ROB GREENE

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