Boston Celtics Welcome Jrue Holiday Back In 102-94 Win Over Portland Trail Blazers
The Boston Celtics welcomed Jrue Holiday back to Boston for the first time since last year’s trade for the Portland Trail Blazers’ Anfernee Simons. The Celtics defeated the Trail Blazers 102-94 at TD Garden on Monday. Boston improved to 29-17, while Portland fell to 23-24.
Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jaylen Brown added 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. Donovan Clingan added nine points, 15 rebounds, and 1assist. Caleb Love had 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.
In case you missed it, Boston dropped a 114-111 decision to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Saturday. Brown led the Celtics with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Coby White led the Bulls with 22 points, 1 rebound, and 7 assists.
The Portland Trail Blazers lost to the Toronto Raptors 110-98 at the Moda Center on Friday. Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Sandro Mamukelashvili led the Raptors with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Boston Celtics vs. Portland Trail Blazers Starters
The Celtics hosted First Responders Night. First responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, enjoyed a night out at the arena while being recognized for their service to the greater Boston area.
Boston’s starting lineup featured Pritchard, Derrick White, Brown, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta. Boston ruled out Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Luka Garza (illness), and Chris Boucher (illness).
Portland’s starting lineup featured Holiday, Sharpe, Sidy Cissoko, Toumani Camara, and Clingan. Portland ruled out Damian Lillard (torn left Achilles tendon), Blake Wesley (right foot), Duop Reath (foot), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Kris Murray (back), Matisse Thybulle (thumb/knee), and Deni Avdija (back).
Celtics vs. Trail Blazers Recap
The Celtics and Trail Blazers aren’t traditional rivals, but have history. Boston has a regular season record of 77-50 over Portland entering Monday’s game. Previously, Portland defeated Boston 114-108 at the Moda Center on Dec. 28, 2025.
The Celtics got off to a fast start in the first quarter. White and Holiday engaged in a solid defensive duel. Sharpe continued a spectacular season with a three-pointer. Boston took a 32-11 lead to end the first.
The Trail Blazers picked up the pace in the second quarter, but the Celtics stayed the course. Grant shone with a four-point play. Pritchard nailed a three-pointer that dazzled the home crowd. Boston took a 52-37 lead into halftime.
Both teams played in a low-key third quarter. Cissoko grabbed an offensive rebound to complete a slam dunk. Pritchard got past defenders for a made basket. The Trail Blazers briefly cut the Celtics’ lead to single digits, but Boston took a 75-65 lead into the final quarter.
The Trail Blazers opened the fourth-quarter scoring, but the Celtics responded to maintain a double-digit lead amid the turnovers. Robert Williams III’s lob play displayed the Trail Blazers’ offensive strategy. Boston won 102-94 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Celtics continue the homestand against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The Celtics’ utilization of the young talent, focus on defensive strengths, and management of depth can lead to a potential win over the Hawks.
The Trail Blazers continue their East Coast road trip at the Washington Wizards on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The Trail Blazers’ focus on their offensive and defensive strategies can capitalize on the Wizards’ defensive weaknesses and earn a potential win.
