Blazers' Holiday returns in loss to Knicks after 27-game absence

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday returned for Sunday's matchup against the New York Knicks, ending a near-two-month layoff for a right calf strain.

Holiday scored eight points in 16 minutes, going 2-of-7 from the field with a pair of threes. He also had four assists, two rebounds, and a steal in his first appearance since Nov. 14.

The Blazers guard was originally slated to miss at least one-to-two weeks but wound up missing the last 27 contests.

Deni Avdija assumed a point forward role during Holiday's absence.

Portland acquired Holiday from the Boston Celtics during the offseason. The veteran floor general was off to a solid start prior to being sidelined, averaging 16.7 points, 8.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 12 appearances.

Holiday's return should bolster the Blazers' 18th-ranked defense. The 35-year-old is a three-time NBA All-Defensive first team selection.

Entering Sunday, Portland surrendered 2.5 fewer points per 100 possessions with Holiday on the floor this season.