The same attributes that prompted the Boston Celtics to acquire guard Jrue Holiday last offseason earned the 34-year-old a spot in Team USA’s starting lineup during Wednesday night’s Olympic exhibition matchup against Canada. Holiday, who started alongside LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry and Devin Booker, pitched in 11 points, but it was what Holiday […]
The same attributes that prompted the Boston Celtics to acquire guard Jrue Holiday last offseason earned the 34-year-old a spot in Team USA’s starting lineup during Wednesday night’s Olympic exhibition matchup against Canada.
Holiday, who started alongside LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry and Devin Booker, pitched in 11 points, but it was what Holiday did on the other side of the floor that left an impression. The two-time All-Star smothered Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — an MVP candidate last season — defensively, limiting the 25-year-old to a 3-of-10 shooting night.
“Jrue was great,” coach Steve Kerr said, per Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “He’s one of the best defenders in the league. Not just on ball, but off ball. His help, his anticipation. But I thought that was one of the keys to the game, just the collective ball pressure that our guys had out there, and Jrue obviously leads the way in that regard.”
Team USA finished off Canada, 86-72, overcoming a stagnant offensive start in Las Vegas, missing its first six shots while quickly trailing 11-1 to begin the Showcase. Holiday’s contributions, similar to what the 15-year veteran provides the Celtics, were significantly impactful although they don’t show up alongside his five rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the box score.
Holiday aggressively commanded Team USA’s offensive rhythm on multiple key possessions to uplift the powerhouse crew, proving why he’s an ideal fit for the group. Perhaps giving Holiday the nod won’t become a night-to-night occurrence for Kerr and the rest of USA’s coaching staff, however, Holiday’s two-way play made its presence felt.
As hard as it might’ve been to imagine a James, Curry, Embiid and Booker lineup underperforming when matched up with a less-talented, though NBA-filled, Canadian starting five, it did come to life. Holiday, who isn’t expected to take on the scoring load of players like James or Curry, stabilized the tempo on both sides of the court by doing a little bit of everything, which on Wednesday night, was more valuable than star power.
“It’s a test and a challenge to try to figure out the chemistry,” Curry explained, per Vardon. “… Once we got settled in, seemed like everybody got a little bit more comfortable as you go deeper into the game and, you know, hopefully the next four exhibition games we have, you’ll see more progress.”
Uniting with Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, Holiday and Boston’s trio can continue riding the wave of their successful NBA Finals run by seizing a gold medal.
