BOSTON – The Celtics are fully equipped for Game 1 against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Final Series on Monday night.
Jrue Holiday, a key guard who missed a match against the Magic due to hamstring issues during the latter part of Boston’s opening round series, has been cleared and appears on the injury report without any concerns.
In fact, there were no injuries noted among the Celtics.
“He has been able to do everything we practiced, and he’s improving each day,” coach Joe Matzura mentioned on Saturday.
Holiday, a two-time NBA champion and three-time All-Defensive First Team member, is expected to guard Knicks star Jalen Brunson throughout significant stretches of the series.
Brunson had an impressive regular season against the Celtics, posting a shooting percentage of 43.3% alongside 26.7 points, five assists, and three rebounds per game.
Yet, the Knicks were swept in four games previously, with only one close contest, where Boston edged out a two-point win in overtime.
Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown also seems to be in good shape after facing a right knee issue in the game against the Magic. He played all five games against Orlando, averaging 23.0 points and 7.6 rebounds while hitting 44.4% from three-point range in about 35.8 minutes per game.
Josh Hart criticized Pistons guard Tim Hardaway Jr. for failing to call a foul during a tense moment at the end of Game 4 in the opening round, during a discussion on his podcast with Brunson.
While the Knicks were ahead at that point, Hart had contact with Hardaway during a three-point attempt that went uncalled.
Officials later indicated that a foul should have been called.
“If he takes the shot, who knows what could happen… But he did get hit,” Hart remarked. “He was rather unethical, and the entire Detroit crowd was involved. [Brunson] was baiting for fouls, and [Hardaway] made questionable decisions at a critical moment in Game 4, thinking, ‘Let’s try this foul baiting tactic.’
Brunson responded with his own thoughts…
