Wed May 07 23:50:00 UTC 2025: **Celtics’ Holiday Returns from Hamstring Injury, Shines Despite Game 1 Loss**
BOSTON – Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday made a successful return from a right hamstring strain in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, despite the Celtics’ 108-105 loss. Holiday, who missed the final three games of the first-round series against Orlando due to the injury, scored 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding 6 rebounds and 3 assists. He was the only Celtics starter to shoot over 35% from the field.
Holiday played a key defensive role, effectively containing Knicks star Jalen Brunson, limiting him to 29 points on 9-of-23 shooting. Holiday himself reported no issues with his hamstring after the game, stating he felt “pretty fresh” and that the adrenaline helped. He did acknowledge that he would monitor the hamstring’s response in the coming days.
The Celtics were also hampered by injuries to Kristaps Porzingis (non-COVID illness) who left the game in the second quarter, and Sam Hauser (ankle sprain) who suffered his injury late in the third. Holiday acknowledged the impact of Porzingis’ absence, calling him a “versatile” player crucial to the team.
Despite the loss and the ongoing injury concerns, the Celtics remain focused on a “next-man-up” mentality as they prepare for Game 2.
First Piper 