Jrue Holiday Discusses Responding to Raptors' Runs in Monday's Celtics' Win

The Raptors opened the second half on an 18-3 run and held the Celtics scoreless for over three minutes in the final frame, but Boston persisted for a 105-96 win.

On Monday, the Boston Celtics earned a 105-96 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Jrue Holiday stuffed the stat sheet with a season-high 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in the win.

But the Celtics completing their second straight regular-season sweep of the Raptors required countering an 18-3 run by the hosts to start the second half. The visitors did so by landing a haymaker of their own, staging a 30-9 response.

But the hosts didn't go quietly, with an 8-0 burst keeping them within striking distance before having their momentum halted by a pair of threes from Holiday, which increased Boston’s lead to 12 points with less than six minutes remaining. After the win, Holiday discussed the keys to stopping Toronto's offensive runs.

“I think the versatility that we have on defense… Switching it up defensively from zone to man," conveyed the two-time All-Star. "I think stopping transition points, and we took great offensive shots so that they couldn’t just get out in transition.”

Holiday endorsed teammate Derrick White, who delivered the dagger with a corner three to give Boston a 103-96 lead with 1:17 left, for an All-Star selection. White also scored 22 points on Monday night.

“Man, he’s an All Star," stated Holiday, before adding, "The things that he does go unnoticed."

The Celtics' next game is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17, against the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden; tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. EST. 

Further Reading

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