Jrue Holiday’s Assertiveness Elevating Celtics’ Offense

Jrue Holiday averaged 18 points and 6.3 assists on the Celtics’ West Coast trip. When he’s aggressive at that end, their offense and title pursuit benefit from it.

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When the Boston Celtics took off for San Francisco, Jrue Holiday had yet to register a 20-point performance this season.

He put 18 on the board in wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets and scored 17 in Boston’s home opener, a victory vs. the Miami Heat. But while the two-time All-Star is plenty willing to sacrifice, a theme of his new team’s championship pursuit, it often felt like he was getting lost in the shuffle.

But with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the Celtics’ 144-119 steamrolling of the Sacramento Kings due to a left ankle sprain suffered the night before against the Golden State Warriors, Holiday became more assertive at the offensive end.

He finished that game with 21 points on 7/13 (53.8 percent), buried 4/6 threes (66.7 percent), and dished out ten assists, the most in the matchup.

That combination reflects his ability to operate aggressively without hijacking the offense, instead working within the flow of it.

And when Tatum returned for Saturday’s 145-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, sans another member of the team’s top six, Kristaps Porzingis, out due to a left ankle sprain, Holiday maintained that approach, generating 20 points, knocking down 8/12 (66.7 percent) of his field goal attempts, and drilling four of the six shots he hoisted from beyond the arc again.

He also distributed seven assists, leading Boston in that category for the second straight contest.

Both plays highlight his assertiveness, with the former capturing his increased comfort with looking to score and letting it fly when he has a clean look. The latter demonstrates his abilities as a facilitator and how it’s easier to tap into that when he’s aggressive.

“I think just consistently or constantly trying to be aggressive, find my spots to kind of look for my shot and play-make,” the 14-year veteran conveyed after Saturday’s victory. “Even before them being out, the coaching staff and Joe (Mazzulla) told me that I need to be aggressive, so, really just trying to find my place.”

And with Tatum, Porzingis, and the rest of the team’s top six in the lineup, that outlook continued fueling the California native, who produced 18 points on 7/10 shooting, including faring 3/5 (60 percent) from beyond the arc, in the Celtics’ 126-115 win in their Christmas clash with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also doled out seven assists.

 

When Holiday’s playing like that, making his presence felt and operating off instinct, he and the Celtics are far more dangerous and difficult to contain.

The six-foot-four member of Boston’s backcourt is also one of the best offensive rebounders for a guard, grabbing 1.7 rebounds per contest. That ranks fourth among guards who have played at least ten games, per NBA.com.

Mazzulla’s amplifying the frequency that the C’s crash the offensive glass with, a trend that’s become increasingly common league-wide, is one he discussed with Inside The Celtics, including how it helps their transition defense. It’s also allowed his team to capitalize on one of the many skills Holiday brings to the table.

 

His helping Boston’s offense win on the margins is valuable. But for the Celtics to give themselves the best chance to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy, his assertiveness on offense must remain a constant rather than something that comes and goes like a short-lived New Year’s resolution.