Jrue Holiday

For anyone curious about the basketball’s sometimes-cruel irony, they need not look any further than the Orlando Magic. After spending 2024-25’s entirety harassing offensive talents and becoming the No. 1-ranked defense, the reward for said hard work was quite noteworthy: an opening-round battle against a player capable of delivering doses of that very own medicine. Long celebrated for his ability to stonewall ball handlers immediately upon crossing midcourt, Jrue Holiday adds a new example, bothering Franz Wagner effectively enough to prompt a turnover and defense-to-offense sequence. Profiling as a “3-and-D” specialist before the term was en vogue, Holiday finishes the job appropriately, burying a trifecta that secures a double-digit boost for the Boston Celtics. The blueprint was laid for Boston, as they collected 18 “stocks” — steals plus blocks — on the way to a blowout win; versatile in Game One of the title defense, Holiday contributed nine points, three rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three 3-pointers.