Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, and the Celtics gave ex-teammate Jrue Holiday a rude welcome back in Boston with a strong bounce-back win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Celtics made sure to give former player Jrue Holiday a tough homecoming in Boston.
Payton Pritchard and Jaylen Brown combined for 43 points as Boston led by by as much as 23 on their way to a 102-94 bounce-back win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, January 27 (PH time).
Pritchard scored 23 points, including buzzer-beaters to end each of the first two quarters, while Brown added 20 to spoil Holiday’s first game back in Boston.
Holiday, who was part of the 2024 Celtics championship squad before being traded to Portland in last year’s offseason, received a warm ovation when introduced and following a tribute video and ended up with 14 points.
Boston improved to 29-17, remaining second in the East, and will aim for back-to-back wins when they host the Atlanta Hawks (23-25).
Meanwhile, Jerami Grant led Portland with 19 points in a game they missed star Deni Avdija again due to a lower back strain.
Toumani Camara added 18 points and eight rebounds as the Trail Blazers dropped to 23-24, looking for a quick turnaround on the road against the Washington Wizards (10-34).
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.