Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Jrue Holiday on Celtics' Opening Night Victory vs. Knicks: 'Winning is Our Only Option'
The Boston Celtics started the 2023-24 campaign on the right foot, earning a 108-104 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
In his first regular-season game donning Kelly green, Jrue Holiday took on the assignment of guarding former teammate Julius Randle, who the five-time All-Defensive Team selection is primarily responsible for limiting to 14 points on 22 shots.
Holiday also registered nine points, four rebounds, three blocks, and two assists in the victory.
Post-game, the two-time All-Star said of his Celtics' debut: "Felt good. (It was) definitely a good test. It was fun to go out there. Obviously, (it's) fun to play at Madison Square Garden for your first game and feel this type of rivalry, so it was a good test for us."
In a contest that came down to the wire, with Boston struggling to find a rhythm offensively in the second half, then seeing the Knicks stage an 8-2 run in less than a minute, sending the world's most famous arena into a frenzy as they claimed a 101-95 lead with 3:39 left.
But Kristaps Porzingis, whose 30 points were the most in a Celtics debut, buried a pair of late threes and went 6/6 at the free-throw line, helping the visitors rally to start the season 1-0.
When asked what he learned about his new team, Holiday conveyed the following.
"Resilient; no matter if we're down ten points with four minutes to go, we always have a chance. So, I think we kind of banded together, started executing on both ends of the floor, and got the necessary plays that we needed."
The former UCLA Bruin added, "I do feel like our team has great guys, great character, so just a lot of poise. Nobody got rattled or shaken, and (we) went out there and executed and got the win."
He also wanted to remind people this newly formed group has considerable room for growth.
"I think it's only been a few weeks," stated Holiday. "Obviously, KP had a great game being back here. But again, I think one of the things I'll probably focus on is when we get those leads, being able to hold those leads. We know in this league, it's very, very hard to hold a lead, no matter if it's 20 points, but I think that's gonna be a step in our execution. When we're up on guys, being able to control the game."
The former Milwaukee Buck also addressed the topic of sacrifice, exemplified by Al Horford embracing the sixth-man role he'll often be in this season.
"It's about what we can do for the team. No matter who starts, no matter who finishes, we all want to win, and we're all on the same page. So, when it comes down to it, winning is our only option and the only thing we really want to do."
Further Reading
Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Knicks: Porzingis Leads Late Rally to Propel Boston
Jaylen Brown Teams with Johnny Cupcakes to Give Back to Boston
Rajon Rondo Latest Former Celtic to Spend Time with C's
Celtics Embracing Sacrifice in Championship Pursuit: 'Have to Buy into That'
Al Horford Shares Where Kristaps Porzingis Has Impressed Him Most
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
