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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 19: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics winks during a game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden on December 19, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 102-94 on Monday night at TD Garden.
The win was significant for Boston, but the game carried extra meaning for Jaylen Brown. He faced two former teammates for the first time since they left the organization.
Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III both suited up for Portland. Holiday was traded to the Trail Blazers last summer after helping Boston win the 2024 NBA championship. Williams was traded to Portland after the 2022-23 season.
Monday night marked the first time either player faced the Celtics since being moved. Brown played multiple seasons with both, and seeing them in enemy uniforms was strange.
“Two great guys, two great people. On the floor, but off the floor as well,” Brown told reporters after the game. “Jrue has a great family. And Rob is just a great dude. Still a little weird to see them on the other side.”
Celtics on CLNS
Jaylen Brown on Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III:
“2 great guys, 2 great people. On the floor, but off the floor as well. Jrue has a great family. And Rob is just a great dude…Still a little weird to see them on the other side.” – @CLNSMedia
Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams Return to TD Garden
Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesJrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
Holiday received a warm reception from the TD Garden crowd.
The 35-year-old guard was honored with a tribute video during a timeout, celebrating his contributions to the Celtics’ 2024 championship. Holiday is one of the most respected players in the league, and Celtics fans did not forget what he gave the organization during his two seasons in Boston.
Holiday played a crucial role on both ends of the floor during the 2024 playoffs, helping Boston win its 18th championship banner. He spent two seasons with the Celtics before being traded to Portland last summer, and his departure left a hole in the roster.
Williams also got a warm welcome. The athletic big man was a fan favorite during his time in Boston, known for his rim protection and energy. Injuries limited his availability, but when healthy, Williams was one of the best defensive centers in the league.
Both players were emotional about returning to TD Garden. Holiday spent two seasons in Boston, winning a championship in his first year. Williams spent five seasons with the Celtics and developed strong relationships with teammates and fans.
For Brown, it was an emotional night. He played alongside Holiday during the championship run and alongside Williams for multiple seasons before that. Seeing them in Trail Blazers uniforms was a reminder of how quickly the NBA changes.
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A look at Jrue Holiday’s tribute video:
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How Holiday and Williams Performed Against the Celtics
Holiday did a little bit of everything for Portland.
He finished with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Holiday excelled on both ends of the floor, showing the versatility that made him so valuable in Boston. He defended multiple positions and made smart plays with the ball in his hands.
Williams played well off the bench for the Trail Blazers. He had six points, two rebounds, two steals, and a block in 20 minutes. Williams provided energy and rim protection, reminding Celtics fans of what they lost when he was traded.
Both players handled the emotional night with professionalism. They competed hard and gave Portland a chance to win, but Boston’s depth and execution were too much.
What’s Next for Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
GettyJaylen Brown, Boston Celtics.
Brown will face another former teammate Wednesday night.
The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks, and Kristaps Porzingis will be on the other side. Porzingis was traded to Atlanta last summer after spending two seasons in Boston, including the 2024 championship run.
For Brown, it is another reminder of how quickly rosters change in the NBA. The Celtics have turned over significant pieces of their championship team, but they remain one of the best teams in the league.
Monday night’s reunion with Holiday and Williams was emotional, but Brown handled it with class. He praised both players and acknowledged how strange it was to see them in different uniforms. But once the game started, it was all business.
Final Word for the Celtics
Jaylen Brown faced two former teammates for the first time Monday night.
Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III returned to TD Garden as members of the Portland Trail Blazers. Brown played multiple seasons with both and said it was “weird” to see them on the other side.
The Celtics defeated the Trail Blazers 102-94, with Brown scoring 20 points along with eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Holiday and Williams both played well for Portland, but Boston’s depth and execution were too much.
Brown will face another former teammate Wednesday night when Kristaps Porzingis and the Atlanta Hawks visit TD Garden.