Boston's backcourt starters combined for 40 points on 13-for-28 shooting and nine 3-pointers in a quality win over the Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics met in Dallas on Saturday for their first matchup since last season's NBA Finals. Dallas was missing many key pieces, including starters Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II, while Boston was wrapping up a four-game road trip.

Jrue Holiday is one of them. I understand that Jrue was public enemy number one for a couple of days after the brain explosion at the end of the Hawks game. I will admit I have had difficulty letting that one go myself.

The Boston Celtics are 30-13 as things currently stand in the basketball world which is good for the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. Coming off of a 125-8

Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun (28) goes up for a shot as Boston Celtics' Derrick White (9) and Luke Kornet defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP

In his NBA career, Holiday has captured two NBA championships, with his most recent title coming with the Boston Celtics in 2024, beating the Dallas Mavericks four games to one.

Those last two plays are on me. Those are my fault.” Joe Mazzulla pointed the finger at himself after the Celtics dropped a 114-112 thriller to the Rockets on Monday night.

LOS ANGELES — Celtics guard Jrue Holiday’s home in Ventura County has not been damaged by the Los Angeles wildfires, but returning here this week he has been met with startling reminders of how severely life has changed for so many.

At least one other Celtic will join Jayson Tatum at NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco. Third-year guard JD Davison was one of seven G League players selected to compete in the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars game on Feb. 14.

Derrick White’s tremendous third quarter turned the Celtics into “a different beast” in their win over the Mavericks.

Derrick White broke out of his slump, but it wasn't just his contributions that lifted the Celtics past the Mavericks.

Jrue holiday received a big injury update for the Celtics' game on Wednesday night against the Clippers on the road.