Another factor was that Jrue Holiday did not play, as he was absent because of a hamstring injury. The Celtics could have used Holiday's ballhandling and playmaking in his absence, and he may have made all the difference,

Celtics guard Jrue Holiday took over the third quarter and helped Boston pull away. His defense led to offense.

BOSTON — The Celtics will be shorthanded for the third straight game as Jrue Holiday continues to sit because of his right hamstring strain. He was listed as out on the injury report released ahead of Game 5, set for 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at TD Garden.