New Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis knows what it feels like to be guarded by also-new Celtic Jrue Holiday, and he doesn’t miss being on that side of the UCLA alum’s press much at all. Speaking to the media via NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg after Boston’s 108-104 season-opening win against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, the Latvian center said “I’m very happy he’s on my team” of Holiday after witnessing his defensive chops as a teammate for the first time.
“He might be the only guy that — only like one or two (guards) — that wasn’t a mismatch when you get the switch with him,” added Porzingis.
“He’s such a strong 1-on-1 defender. I have to admit, I’m very happy that he’s on my team now.”
Celtics Lab 224: Assessing Boston's start to '23-24 season, NBA 2k official season sim with Ronnie 2k, Yossi Gozlan https://t.co/YZrcgyx4N6 pic.twitter.com/YuUdaWZnt7
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“We’re excited. Obviously, he’s an offensive talent, that’s there,” shared the big man. “But I think what everybody just loves about that guy is how much of a dog he is on the defensive end, and that’s going to be very big for us.”
And even though his offensive game was still a work in progress vs. New York, Holiday’s smother defense was indeed a critical part of a Celtics win already.
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