If the New York Knicks are coming out of the Eastern Conference, they will need to find a way to overcome the Boston Celtics.
The franchise has come a long way when comparing the New York Knicks 48-28 season to a miserable record that finished 15th in 2014-15 with a 17-65 record.
But as they went to this level, the Knicks hope for more, and the 0-8 record against elite teams is concerning the Celtics, Cavaliers and OKC Thunder this season.
The Celtics are Eastern Conference class, deep and respected defending champions of Knicks star Jaylen Branson.
Jalen Brunson admits that there is one player in particular for the Boston Celtics.
Speaking about his roommate’s podcast, Branson paid homage to Celtics star Julou Holiday and named him the most difficult defender to get up.
He states: “Jrue is one of the toughest people to grasp. Not only is he tough like hell, but the way he jumps sideways seems impossible.
“Last year, there’s one game in the playoffs. There’s stealing in the game. He literally read who it goes.
“Everyone underestimates how strong he is.”
Jrue Holiday, 34, is a two-time NBA champion, winning the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 before winning the Celtics in 2024.
The best chance to take the New York Knicks out the Boston Celtics could come after this season.
The Celtics face challenges to put together a roster for all the finances involved, and Jrue Holiday is being touted as a trade candidate.
Holiday played 58 games for the Celtics this season, but his production is declining in terms of scoring. His 11.1 points per game is his lowest since his rookie season with the Six in 2009/10.
But, as Branson unfortunately points out, the holidays are more than a score, and can get bigger when his defense is most important.