How does the Celtics’ Jrue Holiday intend to stop the Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving in the NBA Finals?

With a single word, the Celtics’ guard exemplified both the threat that Kyrie Irving poses and his own humility as he prepares for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Paul RudderEnglish_ASUpdate: Jun 6th, 2024 12:40 EDT0

Kyle TeradaUSA TODAY Sports

The last time a player spoke of handling the Dallas Mavericks point guard, it resulted in Kyrie Irving putting 30 points on the board in a contest that the Mavericks won. It was Game 1 of the Western Conference finals and that player was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards. To that end, the Celtics’ guard chose his word(s) carefully when speaking of the challenge that awaits him.

What did Jrue Holiday say about guarding Kyrie Irving?

“Pray.” That was the word used by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday when asked how he intended to contain eight-time All-Star and Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving. With a smile on his face, Holiday spoke to the need for keeping things simple and of course requiring help. Irving is, after all, a player who finished the five-game series against the Timberwolves with an average of 27 points, five assists, and four rebounds. With that in mind, Holiday’s point makes sense.