BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have largely taken the NBA world by surprise during the 2025-26 regular season, winning games they weren't expected to and smashing preseason expectations. However, thanks to his multiple years in Boston and a 2024 title, Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday understands the Green Team's winning culture, and he knew the Celtics wouldn't buy into the underwhelming projections placed upon them.
"I knew that they they'd do well, knowing the type of determination this coaching staff and organization has," Holiday said on Monday night in the visiting locker room before the second meeting of the season between the Celtics and Blazers.
Jrue Holiday on Jaylen Brown, and the rest of the Celtics, handling the doubt they faced this season personally:
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) January 27, 2026
“Obviously, knowing Jaylen I feel like he takes a lot of things personally, so he doesn't accept a lot, especially when it comes to being bad.” pic.twitter.com/jUV3pq7nmt
The extended absence of Celtics star Jayson Tatum made many pundits think the Celtics were in for a rough 2025-26 campaign, as some even went as far to say they'd tank. They clearly forgot about now 5-time All-Star Jaylen Brown and his fiery, competitive mindset.
"I figured that they'd be good," Holiday emphasized. "And then obviously, knowing Jaylen, I feel like he takes a lot of things personally. So he doesn't accept a lot, especially when it comes to being bad."
Brown "taking things personally" has helped elevate the Celtics on both ends of the floor. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP is averaging nearly 30 points per game and was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the first time of his 10-year career.
And while Brown is leading the charge, Holiday pointed out that the entire Celtics organization is committed to winning, no matter the outside expectations.
"I think people counted them out as a team," Holiday stated. "Not just Jaylen. I know Payton (Pritchard), Joe (Mazzulla), the whole coaching staff, feel like when people say that they can't do something, they want to prove them wrong."
So far, the Celtics have made their doubters look foolish. The Green Team is 28-17 more than halfway through the season and in second place in the East. The Blazers have done their best to surprise people as well, holding a 23-23 record despite losing head coach Chauncey Billups in October because of an ongoing illegal gambling investigation Billups is allegedly involved in.
As for Holiday, Monday evening will mark the 2024 NBA champion's first game against the Celtics since being dealt to the Blazers last summer. He'll always look back on his time in Boston fondly, and feels especially appreciative of the Celtics faithful.
"The people, the fans, the crowd, how they embrace you and kind of make you part of their own team," Holiday replied when asked what he loved about Beantown.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Former Celtic Jrue Holiday isn't shocked by the success of the Celtics, Jaylen Brown
