Game 3 was a must-win for the Boston Celtics. They nearly dug out of a 0-3 hole against the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. Perhaps they would've if Jayson Tatum hadn't injured his ankle on the first play of Game 7.
But having no margin for error and making this series against the New York Knicks as taxing as possible would've been a suboptimal position that may have pushed the NBA's reigning champions into a summer of dramatic changes to the roster.
That may be unavoidable, but the Celtics' focus is on maximizing this postseason run, especially with the likelihood that not all rotation members will return next season.
Health is paramount to accomplishing that.
Two days after a 115-93 win where Boston led wire-to-wire at Madison Square Garden, Jrue Holiday provided an encouraging update on his hamstring strain.
The two-time All-Star missed the final three games of the Celtics' first-round series vs. the Orlando Magic. He returned to log nearly 39 minutes in Game 1 against New York, then played 34 two nights later.
"It feels good; feels healthy," Holiday said of his hamstring while speaking after Monday's shootaround. I haven't had any issues."
Keeping the 34-year-old guard to 25 minutes while Payton Pritchard shined in Game 3, pouring in a team-best and playoff career-high 23 points, should help with pacing Holiday through the postseason.
Sam Hauser trending towards a Game 4 return
Boston may be on the verge of being made whole. Sam Hauser sprained his right ankle while trying to contest a Jalen Brunson jumper in the series opener. He has not played since.
However, unlike when he was listed as doubtful entering Game 3, he's questionable for Monday's matchup.
Joe Mazzulla said on a Zoom call the day after Saturday's win, "He's getting there. He's getting better. He's day-to-day."
Seeing the six-foot-eight sharpshooter move around while going through a workout with the Celtics' director of player development, Craig Luschenat, Hauser looked like someone prepared to play in Game 4.
What would Hauser's return mean for Boston?
"It'd be huge," voiced Holiday. "Obviously, his three-point shooting. How he spaces the floor. Being able to be dynamic out there. Having "Big Smooth" back would be big."
