Celtics beat Trail Blazers 102-94 as Jrue Holiday returns to TD Garden after 2025 trade

A fast start, timely shooting and a late defensive stand decided the rematch

The Boston Celtics held off a fourth-quarter push from the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, January 26, winning 102-94 at TD Garden. Boston built a 23-point lead in the first quarter and never trailed, but Portland closed within five in the final minute before a decisive sequence sealed the result.

Payton Pritchard led Boston with 23 points and hit buzzer-beaters at the end of both the first and second quarters. Jaylen Brown added 20 points, and Derrick White finished with 18, including a late 3-pointer after Portland cut the deficit to 99-94. White also forced a turnover on Portland’s next possession, ending the final rally.

Holiday’s return highlighted a game shaped by roster changes and matchup familiarity

The night also marked Jrue Holiday’s first game back in Boston since being traded to Portland in 2025 in a deal that brought Anfernee Simons to the Celtics. Holiday, a starter on Boston’s 2024 NBA title team, scored 14 points for Portland and was recognized during the game by the home crowd.

Portland’s scoring was paced by Jerami Grant with 19 points. Toumani Camara added 18, and center Donovan Clingan delivered an interior impact with 15 rebounds and four blocks as the Blazers attempted to grind back into the game after a damaging opening stretch.

Four key takeaways from Celtics–Blazers

• Boston’s first quarter set the terms. The Celtics opened with a 32-11 advantage, forcing Portland into low-percentage shots and early turnovers. That margin created breathing room for the rest of the night even as Boston’s offense cooled at times.

• Pritchard’s shot-making bridged uneven stretches. His end-of-quarter makes stabilized Boston’s scoring during periods when Portland’s defense tightened. The second-quarter buzzer-beater helped keep the Blazers at a distance heading into halftime.

• Portland’s late push was built on defense and second chances. Clingan’s rebounding and rim protection fueled stops that allowed the Blazers to shrink the deficit, culminating in a final-minute possession that made it a two-possession game.

• White’s closing sequence delivered the finish. With Portland within five, White’s 3-pointer restored separation and his steal immediately afterward prevented the Blazers from getting another high-leverage attempt.

Score by quarter: Boston led 32-11 after one, then held on through a tighter second half to close out a 102-94 win.

Boston’s victory improved its record to 29-17, while Portland fell to 23-24. The teams’ next games come quickly: Boston remains at home to face Atlanta on January 28, and Portland continues its road trip with a stop in Washington on January 27.