Celtics' Shocking Resurgence Leaves Portland Guard Jrue Holiday Unfazed.
As the Boston Celtics continue to defy expectations and punch above their weight, Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday isn't surprised by their Eastern Conference resurgence. "I knew that they'd be well, they'd do well, knowing the type of determination that this coaching staff and organization has," Holiday said in a recent interview ahead of his first game back at TD Garden since being traded away.
Holiday's comments underscored what many have noticed - Boston's ability to adapt and overcome despite significant roster changes. The Celtics parted ways with multiple key players this offseason, including Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, as well as Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday himself. However, the team has rallied around young star Jaylen Brown, who is taking on an increasingly prominent role.
"It's not just Jaylen," Holiday said of his former teammate. "I think people counted them out as a team. Not just Jaylen. I know Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemi Queta, Joe Mazzulla - the whole coaching staff - they've proven people wrong." Brown has taken personal offense to being underestimated, and it's clear that this motivation has driven him to new heights.
Holiday, who played a key role in Boston's championship run before his departure, understands the type of leadership required to succeed at this level. "The biggest thing that stands out is who he is as a person," Mazzulla said of Holiday. "He comes in and accepts a completely different role and does it with a smile on his face, and does it with a level of respect and professionalism and is willing to do what it takes to win every night."
Holiday's transition to Portland has been relatively smooth, but he still can't help but feel a sense of pride knowing that the team he left behind is excelling. "I'm happy for those guys," Holiday said. "We've got some great young talent here, and I think they're going to make some noise in the playoffs."
As the Celtics continue their surprising ascent, it's clear that Boston's commitment to its core values - hard work, determination, and a never-say-die attitude - has paid off. Even for those who knew better, there's no doubting the team's resilience and collective desire to prove themselves.
As the Boston Celtics continue to defy expectations and punch above their weight, Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday isn't surprised by their Eastern Conference resurgence. "I knew that they'd be well, they'd do well, knowing the type of determination that this coaching staff and organization has," Holiday said in a recent interview ahead of his first game back at TD Garden since being traded away.
Holiday's comments underscored what many have noticed - Boston's ability to adapt and overcome despite significant roster changes. The Celtics parted ways with multiple key players this offseason, including Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, as well as Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday himself. However, the team has rallied around young star Jaylen Brown, who is taking on an increasingly prominent role.
"It's not just Jaylen," Holiday said of his former teammate. "I think people counted them out as a team. Not just Jaylen. I know Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemi Queta, Joe Mazzulla - the whole coaching staff - they've proven people wrong." Brown has taken personal offense to being underestimated, and it's clear that this motivation has driven him to new heights.
Holiday, who played a key role in Boston's championship run before his departure, understands the type of leadership required to succeed at this level. "The biggest thing that stands out is who he is as a person," Mazzulla said of Holiday. "He comes in and accepts a completely different role and does it with a smile on his face, and does it with a level of respect and professionalism and is willing to do what it takes to win every night."
Holiday's transition to Portland has been relatively smooth, but he still can't help but feel a sense of pride knowing that the team he left behind is excelling. "I'm happy for those guys," Holiday said. "We've got some great young talent here, and I think they're going to make some noise in the playoffs."
As the Celtics continue their surprising ascent, it's clear that Boston's commitment to its core values - hard work, determination, and a never-say-die attitude - has paid off. Even for those who knew better, there's no doubting the team's resilience and collective desire to prove themselves.
. I mean, Jaylen Brown is already a star, but it's awesome to see him rally his teammates and prove all the doubters wrong 
. And let's be real, the Celtics' coaching staff is top-notch - Joe Mazzulla is doing an amazing job with the young guys 
. But what really impresses me is how Holiday took it on the chin when he got traded away 
. He knew his team was in good hands and is now rooting for them from afar 
. It's great to see a championship-caliber team like the Celtics continue to thrive despite all the roster changes 
.
. i mean, it's amazing to see Jaylen Brown taking on a bigger role and leading the team to victory 
the whole coaching staff is doing an amazing job, especially Joe Mazzulla 
. I love how Jrue Holiday is handling his new situation with such positivity and respect 
. it just goes to show that even when you're no longer part of a team, you can still be super proud of them and wish them the best 
.
. but i do think jrue holiday's comments about them adapting & overcoming despite roster changes is fair point - they have shown remarkable depth & resilience. it's also true that jaylen brown's drive to prove ppl wrong has been inspiring 
. still, gotta give credit where credit is due - celtics are looking strong this season 
I mean we've seen teams come back from nowhere before, like remember when the 76ers made that crazy run in 2018? or when the Raptors went on a heater in 2016? anyway, it's dope to see the Celtics doing their thing. i'm not surprised they're killing it with Jaylen Brown taking over - he's got all the tools to be a superstar. and you're right, people didn't give them much hope after losing those big names, but they've shown everyone what they're made of. 
, they've always had a strong team culture and coaching staff that makes it easy for players to adapt and thrive even with big changes. Jaylen Brown is definitely leading by example and proving all the doubters wrong 
. Boston's commitment to those core values is real and it shows in the way they're playing 
! But for real tho, it's all about Jaylen Brown taking over the show. The guy's a beast 
. It's like they say, "you can't keep a good man down"... or in this case, a good Celtics player 
!
. It's not just about winning, though - it's about how they do it. The Celtics' commitment to their core values is truly inspiring 
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. But what about the team's actual performance? It's all well and good to talk about their values and all that jazz, but can they back it up with some wins? I'm not convinced 
. But Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemi Queta... everyone's stepping up and proving people wrong