Jrue Holiday says Celtics still have to ‘go for the kill’ despite wins
“We can still learn from each game. I think that’s going to sort of take us and carry us to the top."
All season long, win or lose (the latter of which has only happened 15 times), Celtics players have faced questions about their confidence heading into the playoffs.
And after each game, they give some version of “we’re focused on what’s right in front of us” answer.
Still with just 10 games left in their regular season and the postseason within sight, Celtics guard Jrue Holiday says his team is taking the stretch one game at a time.
“Our mindset is to win this game. Like, go for the kill,” Holiday said on Draymond Green’s podcast Tuesday. “And you know how it is. Sometimes, especially at the end of the year, it can get hard to play sometimes. Like bro, just get me to the playoffs.”
But despite an eagerness to compete in the playoffs, the first-year Celtic says his team has remained steadfast in their day-by-day approach.
“We can still learn from each game. I think that’s going to sort of take us and carry us to the top. Whenever we get to that point, if we ever get to that point,” Holiday said.
That mindset becomes especially important throughout the playoffs. While Boston’s record (57-15) reflects a team that is head and shoulders above their Eastern Conference competitors, the parquet is a volatile place.
Take for example, last year’s gut-wrenching game 7 loss to Miami in the Eastern Conference finals. Anything can happen. Few know that better than Holiday, who made five playoff appearances with the Pelicans from 2013-2020 before winning a championship with the Bucks the following year.
“In every series, in every playoff run, something goes to s**t. Something goes bad, you have to have a little luck – a lot of luck – and a lot of help.”
The Holiday-less Celtics suffered a tough loss against the Hawks in Atlanta Monday night after blowing a 30-point lead. They’re gearing up for a rematch Thursday before continuing their 6-game road trip.
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