Historic Night for Celtics’ “Triple J” Trio

The Celtics have relied on their two star players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, in recent years. Now, they have a third key player to depend on during critical playoff moments. In Tuesday’s Game 1 victory over the Pacers, Jrue Holiday scored 28 points, marking his highest point total as a Celtic and making history alongside Tatum and Brown. The trio each recorded three steals and combined for 90 points, setting an NBA postseason record. This game was also the first in Celtics history where three players scored 25 or more points in a conference finals game. According to the NBA, only eight other trios have achieved this since the 1970-71 season. In a promising sign for the Celtics, all three players made crucial plays that either shifted momentum or prevented defeat. Brown hit a clutch three-pointer to force overtime, Holiday made a pivotal steal in the extra period, and Tatum scored 10 of Boston’s 16 overtime points to secure the 133-128 win. Tatum praised his teammates after the game, saying, “Big-time players make big-time plays. Jrue Holiday played unbelievable tonight on both ends of the floor. [Derrick] White as well. This was the definition of a team win.”