NBA playoffs: Jrue Holiday makes HUGE statement after shutting down Damian Lillard AGAIN
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS star Jrue Holiday produced the performance of the night to shut down Portland Trail Blazers’ All-Star point guard Damian Lillard with a game-winning 33-point box score last night.
Jrue Holiday produced a magnificent performance to lead the Pelicans past the Blazers again
The 27-year-old was just one assist shy of a double-double as he added three boards and a steal to his stat line on a memorable night at the Moda Centre in Oregon.
A 111-102 victory on the road means the Pelicans are now two games up on the Western Conference three-seed, heading back to New Orleans with the chance to close out an unlikely series sweep.
Holiday’s elite-level defence in shutting down Blazers guard Lillard has been key to the Pelicans’ success; Lillard shot 7/18 from the field, turning the ball over seven times and hitting just one of seven from three-point range.
Holiday guarded Lillard once again – and held the All-Star to a dreadful performance
Speaking to reporters after his game-winning effort, Holiday let slip that the Pelicans have no intention of allowing Portland a foothold in the series.
When asked whether he enjoyed forcing Lillard into a horrifying playoff performance or scoring 33 on the road more, he replied: “Honestly, both of them are pretty fun.
“To get the win is the biggest part for both games.
[The fans will] definitely help us with these last two games
“We’re going back home where we feel like our crowd is going to be our sixth man.
“They’ll definitely help us with these last two games.”
Fans following the series could not help but be impressed by the former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick.
“‘These last two games…’ I like it,” read one comment.
“Confidence from the young man.”
CJ McCollum also struggled for the home side as they went 2-0 down in the series
Another said: “Dude is elite at every part of basketball.”
“Jrue was torching CJ McCollum,” added a third.
“CJ couldn’t guard a piggy bank with an AK 47.”
Elsewhere in the league, San Antonio Spurs superstar Kawhi Leonard could be on his way out of Texas after it was suggested coach Gregg Popovich would consider a blockbuster trade exit for the two-time All-Star.