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Tag: Porzingis

  • Kristaps Porzingis looks healthy and harnessing Celtics at their best


    “We only get 48 minutes together,” intones Carter …

    “ … and Jaylen and Jayson plan to dribble aimlessly outside the 3-point line for 20 of those minutes,” I mutter, impressing none of my living-room companions — usually my wife and a cat or two, all of whom obviously lack the proper appreciation for spectacular ad-libbing.

    Fine, maybe I should keep working on my material. But I’d prefer not to, and just as soon abandon the act altogether.

    It’s not all that fun being cynical about a team that hoisted an 18th championship banner into the Garden rafters just a few short months ago. It’s not fun being frustrated with players who were so tough, resilient, and clutch when they fulfilled everything back in June.

    I’d much, much rather that they broke free of this malaise, this championship hangover, this somewhat understandable trend of not being as amped up for this game or that one as their given nightly opponent, inevitably eager to throw a haymaker at the champ.

    I do believe they remain a genuine, if bored, championship contender, and that they will snap out of this funk. They may already be in the process, after their 122-100 walloping of the Bulls on Wednesday night.

    But even if these inconsistencies continue, it’s worth reiterating that there has been an extremely important positive development amid the frustrations:

    Kristaps Porzingis’s powers have been fully restored.

    The crucialness of Porzingis’s health to the Celtics’ chances of genuinely contending for and perhaps repeating as champion cannot be overstated.

    Last season, he turned a power into a superpower, helping the Celtics level up from a team that could win a title but hadn’t yet to the one that made the confetti fall.

    Porzingis gets referred to as a cheat code over and over again, because that’s exactly what he is. He’s a 7-foot-3-inch, long-range bombing, rim-protecting force who also happens to be remarkably efficient in the paint. There are very few players like him — not just in the current NBA but in its history.

    Recovery from a complicated foot injury suffered during the run to the title last summer caused him to miss the first 17 games of the season, and I’ll admit it if you will: I thought there was a possibility, and not the slimmest one, that his second season here might end up reminding us of Bill Walton’s injury-abbreviated sequel to his delightful 1985-86, when he played just 10 games.

    After all, that wouldn’t be the first thing Porzingis had in common with Walton. His genuine appreciation for being a Celtic — which often manifests with authentic interactions with the Garden crowd, including during Monday’s loss to the Rockets after a collision with the Draymond-level annoying Dillon Brooks — is so reminiscent of the pure joy Walton found in wearing the green and white.

    He’s consistently the team’s best interview, whether that’s with NBC Sports Boston reporter Abby Chin or during the media scrums after the game. He’s almost casually candid when it comes to the state of the team. Never too high or low, always thoughtful, and often funny, sometimes not even on purpose.

    I thought his assessment of the team’s — let’s call it an annoying-if-understandable malaise — after their 15-point win over the Mavericks on Saturday was as accurate is it was colorful.

    “We were a lion last season, and some games this year we’ve looked like a house cat,” he said. “We want to have that spirit as a team this year, and it’s tough. Obviously, we can’t trick ourselves and make it [like] it’s playoffs every game. It’s tough, just human nature. But we know the group that we have and we know that we’re going to bring it to the big games, but we need to bring it consistently and keep building on top of good wins.”

    Porzingis offered up another memorable line after his stellar, oh-he-is-back performance against the Bulls, during which he scored 34 points — 26 in the first half, including 13 in the first three-plus minutes — and tied a career high with eight 3-pointers, none of which were closer than 27 feet from the basket.

    “Some games, [the defense] completely [takes] away, for example, my three,” he said. “And then every basket I have to earn with meat.”

    Porzingis paused.

    “Maybe that sounded crazy,” he said with a chuckle.

    He later explained on social media that not all Latvian expressions translate perfectly to English, but hey, we got the gist. Maybe next time he’ll say “muscle,” or some hoop-jargon staple such as “physicality,” but meat makes sense to us now. Might as well stick with it, KP. Maybe even put it on a T-shirt.

    Porzingis’s full return to form — he’s shooting 58 percent from the field and 57.8 from three over his past seven games — could be a clue that the Celtics as a whole are about to find their form and go on an overdue, prolonged winning streak. The advanced metrics such as offensive and defensive rating for their starting five have surged in recent games, into the range of where they were in their championship season. And the Celtics this season are 14-1 after a loss, a suggestion that they know what to do and do it when they are properly focused.

    To contend for the championship again, let alone to repeat, the Celtics are going to have to find that focus and harness their worst inclinations — too much iso ball on offense, too-frequent breakdowns born of inattentiveness on defense — far more often than they have the past six weeks.

    For all of these recent frustrations, I trust that they will do it. This post-championship malaise is not uncommon, as Steve Kerr recently noted, and he’s seen a few banners raised in his day. Porzingis is back, and he’s right, and that’s a blessing. The biggest and most important blessing, amid the inconsistency.

    Yes, we need to see sustained progress. We need to see that starting five continue to cook in unison.

    But soon enough, meat, we might just be back to enjoying all 48 of those minutes we get together, again.

    Chad Finn can be reached at chad.finn@globe.com. Follow him @GlobeChadFinn.





    Kristaps Porzingis looks healthy and harnessing Celtics at their best

    After battling injuries for the past few seasons, Kristaps Porzingis seems to have finally found his groove and is playing at a high level for the Dallas Mavericks. In a recent matchup against the Boston Celtics, Porzingis showcased his full potential, dominating on both ends of the court.

    Porzingis’ scoring ability, combined with his shot-blocking and rebounding skills, make him a formidable force for any team to contend with. Against the Celtics, he was able to outplay their big men and make a significant impact on the game.

    With Porzingis healthy and playing at his best, the Mavericks are a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. If he can continue to stay injury-free and perform at this level, the Mavericks will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.

    As for the Celtics, they will need to come up with a game plan to contain Porzingis and limit his impact on the game. With their own talented roster, the Celtics have the potential to give the Mavericks a run for their money, but they will need to bring their A-game to do so.

    Overall, it’s great to see Kristaps Porzingis back in top form and competing at a high level. Fans of both teams can look forward to an exciting matchup whenever these two teams meet on the court.

    Tags:

    1. Kristaps Porzingis
    2. Boston Celtics
    3. NBA
    4. Basketball
    5. Healthy
    6. Injury recovery
    7. Sports
    8. Athlete
    9. Competition
    10. Teamwork

    #Kristaps #Porzingis #healthy #harnessing #Celtics

  • The Kristaps Porzingis Trade: A Six-Year Retrospective


    How times change.

    January 31 had been burned in my brain for years. That date, plus March 13th, is burned in my memory as the two most mortifying days of the younger me’s sports fandom. Both were in 2019.

    March 13th, 2019, for those who don’t know, was the day the Giants traded Odell Beckham Jr, a cornerstone of my Giants fandom.

    January 31, 2019, was infamous for a different team. I was walking home from school that day when I saw a Woj tweet pop up on my phone.

    At 1:44, a story dropped about Porzingis meeting with management, voicing his frustration at a horrific Knicks team.

    At 2:54, just before I got out, he wanted to be traded:

    At 3:38, he was gone.

    In two hours, Porzingis went from the beacon of light that the Knicks hoped to pair with a star and a high draft pick to being a Dallas Maverick.

    Yesterday was the six-year anniversary of the trade. Unlike previous years, I didn’t know it when it came. The Knicks are so far removed from the trade and have turned their roster over several times. With the progress we’ve made, it’s become a footnote.

    Last year, I made a retrospective as a FanPost prior to becoming an official writer here. Since then, the Knicks have turned their roster over again and completed the trade. Where does it stand now? In a rare twist of fate, this seems to have a happy ending for all involved.

    The Trade

    Knicks Receive: G Dennis Smith Jr., G/F Wesley Matthews, C DeAndre Jordan, 2021 DAL 1st, 2023 DAL 1st (Top 10 Protected)

    Mavericks Receive: F Kristaps Porzingis, G Tim Hardaway Jr., G Courtney Lee, G Trey Burke

    At the time (and still today) this was a light return. Porzingis was an all-star in 2018, shooting 40% from 3 while averaging 2.4 blocks a night, elevating a terrible Knicks team to competency before tearing his ACL and ending his tenure here in February.

    Two first-round picks, with the second being protected? That’s it? The front office basically wanted a clean slate and a juicy $74 million in offseason cap space to sign some of the stars hitting the market: Kemba Walker, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard. Two max slots, right Kyrie?

    The Mavericks’ Side

    When you find a guy like Luka Doncic, the guard you drafted a year before becomes quite irrelevant. Doncic was in the midst of a stellar rookie season where he averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists before winning Rookie of the Year. Pairing this star European guard with a star European forward was a dream with Dirk Nowitzki retiring after the season.

    The pair immediately became one of the most promising duos in the NBA, even if Porzingis took his time recovering from his ACL tear, missing the entire 2018-19 season.

    As for the other three involved, Trey Burke was a relatively unnecessary throw-in, who was enjoying a minor resurgence as a Knick, with his 42-point effort after Porzingis’ injury in 2018 still being a fun memory of the dark days in Knicks history.

    Burke would play 25 games for Dallas in a bench role before signing with Philadelphia in the offseason. As fate would have it, Burke would return and play eight games in the bubble for the 2020 Mavs before playing another 104 games over the next two seasons. As a Maverick, Burke would playb a total of 137 games, averaging 7.0 points and 1.7 assists on 43/35/87 splits before he was dealt after 2021-22 and has been stuck in the G-League since.

    Courtney Lee was a throw-in for salary, being on the backend of a questionable four-year, $48 million contract. This wiped $12.76m off the books for next season. At this point, he had only played 12 games for the Knicks that season and the 33-year-old would only have 46 more NBA games in him, playing out the string and playing his last NBA game on the day the league shut down in March 2020, although overshadowed by Vince Carter’s final game.

    Tim Hardaway Jr. was by far the longest lasting member in the trade. After signing a questionable four-year, $70 million pact in 2017, he was dealt midway through the season to finalize the Knicks’ cap space in the offseason. Hardaway would sign a four-year extension in 2020 and would continue to be a solid 15 PPG off the bench on 37% from 3, getting Sixth Man of the Year votes twice. Hardaway was dealt for Quentin Grimes in the offseason, which is an interesting full circle moment if you stick around.

    Now, about Porzingis. In the offseason following the trade, he inked a $150 million contract extension.

    Porzingis would debut in October 2019 and would put together a solid first season before tearing his meniscus in the bubble. He was exceptional in the bubble, averaging 31 and 10.

    He missed 29 games in 2020-21, but averaged 20 PPG for the second straight season. Porzingis struggled badly in the first round matchup against the Clippers and after two early playoff exits, his fit with Doncic was questioned.

    Dallas just would not hit their ceiling with their group of Doncic, Porzingis, and up-and-coming guard Jalen Brunson (whatever happened to him?).

    After Porzingis shot sub-30% from 3 in a dreadful first half of the 2021-22 season, Dallas pulled the plug and traded him to Washington for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. A $150 million man, flipped for role players.

    Bertans was a filler backup big man that ate up cap space before he was traded with Cason Wallace for Dereck Lively II on Draft Night 2023. That 2023 Dallas pick is relevant.

    Dinwiddie would slide into the guard rotation alongside Doncic and Brunson, averaging 16 PPG on 50/40/73. He would have a good playoff run, shooting 41.7% from deep in the 21-22 postseason. He would be flipped to Brooklyn the next offseason in the trade that got Kyrie Irving in Dallas.

    Dallas got a Finals run out of all of this, even if Porzingis was long gone after this. Not a bad outcome.

    The Knicks’ Side

    The fallout from trading a star is never pretty. The carcass of the 2018-19 Knicks finished 17-65, worst in the NBA. They were set up to draft generational draft prospect Zion Williamson.

    But first, they sorted through the players. Wesley Matthews played checks notes two games as a Knick. He scored fourteen points in 54 minutes before being bought out and signing with Indiana. Forgettable.

    DeAndre Jordan was the new #6 (you think they respected Porzingis?). The former Clippers’ All-Star was also an expiring contract and continued his slow decline from All-Star to role player averaging 11 and 11 on 63.4% from the field before signing with the Nets as part of the “clean sweep”. Did you know he has the NBA record for career FG%?

    The Knicks’ plan was simple. Draft Zion. Sign two All-Stars. Turn this puppy around.

    Oh.

    Oh.

    Well, damn.

    The Knicks had $74 million in cap space and the worst record in the NBA and not only struck out on all four big free agents, but got the third pick. They settled on a variety of guys like Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis, Julius Randle, and Elfrid Payton to join draftee RJ Barrett. An unmitigated disaster.

    However, it slowly became a blessing.

    While the Clean Sweep Nets got stuck in injuries and controversies, and were eventually demolished, the Knicks turned everything around in 2021 behind an All-Star leap for Julius Randle and solid vet play from guys like Payton, Taj Gibson, and Reggie Bullock.

    But wait, there’s more. Two more pieces of that 2021 breakthrough squad came from this trade!

    Marcus Morris, who’s spurned the Spurs to sign with the Knicks and delivered a great moment in Porzingis’ MSG return, was traded at the deadline for LA’s 2020 1st and Detroit’s 2021 2nd.

    Through draft-day dealing by new executive Leon Rose, that extra first was turned into Immanuel Quickley, a future All-Rookie 2nd Team and runner-up in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Quickley was an elite sixth man for the Knicks from 2020-23 before he was flipped to the Toronto Raptors as the centerpiece in a deal for OG Anunoby.

    In the 2020 Draft Night wheeling-and-dealing that got them IQ, they also got a 2023 2nd that became James Nnaji, who was traded and eventually re-acquired by the Knicks.

    The 2021 Detroit 2nd was used to select Villanova big Jeremiah Robinson-Earl at 32nd overall. He was flipped two minutes later for Eurostash Rokas Jokubaitis and current Knicks’ sixth man Deuce McBride.

    One man I haven’t mentioned yet is Dennis Smith Jr, the player centerpiece. He was considered by the Knicks when they drafted Frank Ntilikina in 2017, but now they had both.

    After he averaged 14.7/5.4/2.8 on horrific shooting after the deadline, his usage collapsed and he was entrenched as a bust. He lingered on the roster through the start of 2020-21 before being dealt, alongside a 2021 CHA 2nd, for Derrick Rose.

    So, just through the players, the Knicks got Randle, Quickley, Deuce, and D-Rose. Cool! What about the two firsts?

    The 2021 1st was cut-and-dry. The 21st overall pick was traded on Draft Night (classic Leon) for Quentin Grimes and a 2024 DET 2nd. Grimes was a promising 3-and-D wing that fell into and out of favor in New York before being flipped at the 2023 Trade Deadline for Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic.

    Bogdanovic would then be the monetary centerpiece for… Mikal Bridges.

    And that second-round pick? Traded with Quickley and RJ Barrett for OG Anunoby.

    The 2023 pick was a tragic tale. A terrible initial fit between Doncic and Irving led to the 2023 Mavericks tanking to keep their Top 10 protected pick, eventually leading to them getting Dereck Lively II as a piece to their 2024 Finals run. Typical.

    That pick turned into the 24th overall pick in a weaker 2024 NBA Draft, which was traded for 26 and 51 in typical Leon Rose fashion.

    51 was flipped for 58 (Ariel Hukporti) and $1 million.

    26 was flipped for five seconds, with one of them being used with two we already had to trade back into the 2nd Round for Tyler Kolek.

    And, as we know, Julius Randle was traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. Nice!

    In the end, a disaster of an initial trade turned into something that shaped the current Knicks roster in several ways through trades, signings, and draft picks. A lot of the players we enjoy today can be traced back in some way to a franchise-altering move in 2019.

    And Porzingis?

    Despite injuries cutting him down in Dallas and Washington, Porzingis was sent in a steal of a trade to the Celtics ahead of the 2023-24 season. He would continue to battle injuries, but Porzingis would be a great complimentary piece to a death star of a team, winning his first championship.

    In the end, he might be the biggest winner in a trade that has no loser.





    The Kristaps Porzingis Trade: A Six-Year Retrospective

    It’s been six years since the Dallas Mavericks pulled off one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history, acquiring star big man Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks. At the time, the trade was seen as a win-win for both teams, with the Knicks getting rid of a disgruntled player and the Mavs adding a dynamic young talent to pair with superstar Luka Doncic.

    However, as time has passed, the trade has brought mixed results for both teams. Porzingis has struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his time in Dallas, leading some to question whether he was worth the hefty price the Mavericks paid to acquire him. On the other hand, the Knicks have used the assets they received in the trade to build a competitive team, making a surprise run to the playoffs last season.

    Despite the ups and downs, one thing is clear: the Porzingis trade will go down as one of the most memorable in recent NBA history. It’s a reminder of the risks and rewards that come with making big moves in the league, and serves as a cautionary tale for teams looking to make a splash in the trade market.

    As we look back on the trade six years later, it’s clear that both the Mavericks and Knicks have been impacted in different ways. Only time will tell if the trade ultimately pays off for either team, but one thing is for certain: the Porzingis trade will be remembered for years to come.

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    Kristaps Porzingis trade, Kristaps Porzingis, trade retrospective, NBA trade, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, NBA trade history, basketball trade, NBA news, Kristaps Porzingis career, NBA analysis

    #Kristaps #Porzingis #Trade #SixYear #Retrospective

  • Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown on when Kristaps Porzingis is scary


    Kristaps Porzingis has been the Boston Celtics‘ best player over the last two weeks. The veteran center was especially effective during the team’s 122-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Jan. 29. He scored 34 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, recorded 3 steals and dished out 3 assists. He also went 10-of-18 from the field, with 8 of those makes coming from deep.

    Porzingis has long been viewed as the Celtics‘ X-Factor. When he’s healthy and in rhythm, he’s one of the most unguardable players in the NBA. He has also developed high-level partnerships with both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, providing Joe Mazzulla with multiple rotation combinations that can be effective.

    Following the Celtics’ win, Brown praised Porzingis’ contributions during his postgame news conference. The 2024 Finals MVP declared that Porzingis can be ‘scary’ when playing at close to his best.

    You can watch Brown’s full press conference by clicking on the embedded video above.

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    This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics’ Jaylen Brown on when Kristaps Porzingis is scary



    Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown on when Kristaps Porzingis is scary

    In a recent interview, Boston Celtics’ star Jaylen Brown shared his thoughts on when facing off against Dallas Mavericks’ big man Kristaps Porzingis. Brown explained that Porzingis is at his most intimidating when he’s hitting his outside shots and dominating the paint with his length and athleticism.

    “When Kristaps is knocking down threes and blocking shots left and right, that’s when he’s truly scary to play against,” Brown said. “His combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a tough matchup for any team.”

    Brown went on to praise Porzingis for his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim, noting that his presence on the court can completely change the dynamic of a game. Despite the challenges of going up against such a talented player, Brown expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion and compete at a high level.

    As the Celtics continue to navigate a competitive Eastern Conference, they’ll undoubtedly face off against Porzingis and the Mavericks again in the future. And if Brown’s comments are any indication, they’ll be ready to bring their best when the time comes.

    Tags:

    1. Boston Celtics
    2. Jaylen Brown
    3. Kristaps Porzingis
    4. NBA
    5. Basketball
    6. Scary
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    10. Kristaps Porzingis highlights

    #Boston #Celtics #Jaylen #Brown #Kristaps #Porzingis #scary

  • Jayson Tatum Issues Bold Locker Room Demand After Kristaps Porzingis Throws 2 Celtics Stars Under The Bus


    Losing to the Lakers is always unacceptable for the Celtics, that too by 21 points (117-96) marking their worst loss since 2007. But a chance of such a disaster was already there. Wasn’t it? On Wednesday night, after enduring an overtime game against the Clippers, the Celtics indeed appeared devastated. Jaylen Brown looked in pain as he limped toward the showers. So did Derrick White. While they left happy with the win, the toll was evident. And it became even more pronounced in their biggest rivalry game.

    “​​I think we’re starting to play better,” Kristaps Porziņģis said, “but we just didn’t have a good night tonight. We had a back-to-back. That has to go into the equation, so that’s honestly what it is a little bit.” Jaylen Brown was even more straightforward in his words. “You can give them credit, but I just think we came out flat. We just kind of looked tired. Maybe you could say just the game from last night going into overtime carried over, but on both sides of the floor, they just had more energy than us. And we tried to like ramp it up in the third quarter. It just wasn’t there tonight,” Brown said.

    The drive-and-kick game was alive and well for the Lakers as once Boston sent help, the hosts made them pay by shooting 55 percent from 3-point range in the first half with no makes coming from James or Davis. Instead, it was the supporting cast that beat Boston from deep with Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Max Christie, and Dalton Knecht all hitting multiple 3s. Shooting slowed for the Lakers in the second half from the perimeter but they still found easy offense in the paint and on the offensive glass. There was a lack of physicality from Boston all night and the Lakers took advantage. This is exactly what Jayson Tatum pointed out after the loss.

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    After the massive blow, the media followed Tatum to the locker room for a postgame Q&A. When asked what the team needed to do to turn things around, the 26-year-old had a simple response, “Match physicality with physicality.” JT believed, “With physicality, you got to be tougher, be stronger, meet the challenge.” However, he summarily discarded the fatigue issue.

    “No,” Tatum said when asked if he felt tired after the overtime win against the Clippers. “I mean, it’s tough. But it’s part of the job—play overtime, play back-to-backs. Sometimes you gotta travel. So no excuses.” The Celtics didn’t quite look like a team sitting second in the East. The Shamrock, coming off a dominant 40-point victory over the Warriors on Monday, found themselves helpless last night. The Lakers were in complete control throughout the game, making it nearly impossible for the Celtics to find their footing.

    One concerning factor for the team has been the lack of offense from the Boston backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Both are hugely important to the team’s overall success, but they’ve both been in a massive funk. White got off to a spectacular start but is down to 43 percent shooting for the season. He’s hitting just 37 percent from downtown. White’s shooting has cratered over his last nine games, as he’s hit just 32.6 percent overall and 23.9 percent from deep.

    Holiday’s three-point shot has been missing all season. After hitting 43 percent of his threes last season, when he was a dead-eye from the corner, the veteran has hit just 34.9 percent from downtown this season. It looks like their summer in Paris for the Olympics might be catching up to both White and Holiday. However, if there was one thing that could have changed the outcome, it was the mistakes made by two Celtic players. That was something Porzingis later highlighted.

    Kristaps Porzingis brings up costly misses

    The Lakers put up over 30 points in every quarter except the third when the Celtics gained the upper hand. Kristaps Porzingis felt the team should have capitalized during that period, but costly mistakes didn’t let them push the numbers.

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    With under six minutes left in the third quarter, Jayson Tatum had two free throws but couldn’t make the most of it. He missed in both attempts. But that wasn’t it. In less than a minute, Jaylen Brown also missed two free throws, costing the Celtics four points they could have easily had. Overall, the Celtics missed 6 of their 18 free throws, while the Lakers missed just 2 of 20. Porzingis was naturally frustrated by the disappointing misses and pointed them out.

    via Imago

    “I think it was a one good moment we had,” Porzingis told the media in the locker room interview. “We kind of were making it back, I think we could have made it to seven or nine.” But then things took a turn. Why? “We missed the free throws, and then again they went a little run and it kind of slipped out of our hands,” Porzingis added. “So, was not a good night, for them was a good night.”

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    The Latvian center had a solid night, leading the team with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. However, it seemed there wasn’t enough effort from his teammates to back him up. The team hasn’t been at their best this season, and these mistakes only make things worse. Whether the Greens can snap out of this slump and improve their 31-14 record will be something to watch as the latter half of the season unfolds.



    In a recent locker room meeting, Jayson Tatum issued a bold demand after Kristaps Porzingis threw two Celtics stars under the bus. Tatum, known for his leadership on and off the court, wasted no time addressing the situation and setting the tone for the team moving forward.

    Porzingis’ comments, which criticized the performances of Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, did not sit well with Tatum and the rest of the Celtics squad. Tatum made it clear that such negativity and finger-pointing would not be tolerated within the team, and that they needed to band together and support each other through any challenges they may face.

    Tatum’s demand for unity and solidarity in the locker room was met with resounding agreement from his teammates, who recognized the importance of standing together as a team, no matter the circumstances. The incident served as a wake-up call for the Celtics, reminding them of the importance of communication, respect, and accountability within the team.

    As they prepare to face their next opponent, the Celtics are more determined than ever to work together, support each other, and strive for success as a cohesive unit. Tatum’s leadership and bold stance have set the tone for a renewed sense of camaraderie and determination within the team, and they are ready to face any challenges that come their way.

    Tags:

    Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Celtics, locker room demand, bold, NBA, basketball, team drama, sports news, player controversy, team unity, leadership, athlete conflict

    #Jayson #Tatum #Issues #Bold #Locker #Room #Demand #Kristaps #Porzingis #Throws #Celtics #Stars #UnderTheBus

  • Kristaps Porzingis disguises grim Celtics sign in Lakers rout


    LOS ANGELES — Kristaps Porzingis remained in a bright spot in the ugliest loss of the year for the Celtics on Thursday night against the Lakers. The big man posted a team-high 22 points in and seven rebounds, shooting well from the field (9-of-16) and 3-point range (2-of-5). Amid up and down play from the team over the past month, Porzingis has turned into arguably Boston’s most consistent performer in January. He’s averaging 19.4 points per game on 48 percent shooting. His 3-point shooting woes have disappeared (46.7 percent). These are all promising signs for a guy coming off a major offseason leg surgery.

    “I’m feeling pretty good, honestly,” Porzingis said Thursday night. “I’m having again good starts early on. Guys are finding me early on. I’m hitting shots. My percentages and 3-pointers are going up. Starting to feel better physically. I’m getting there. If I’m not there, I’m getting there. It’s a good sign. I want to keep playing this way and all of us just to have more consistent performances as a team and we’ll be good.”

    This stretch is probably about as good as it gets from Porzingis for Boston, at least offensively. He’s been looking like his efficient self from last year, feasting against mismatches in postups again while also hitting the 3-ball again with more regularity (38.4 percent on the season).

    Despite this stellar month, the Celtics are just 5-4 in January in games he’s played and are just 7-5 in the month overall. Therein lies the concerning part of this equation for the Celtics. For awhile, Boston could point to the need to reintegrate Porzingis as the cause for their mediocre stretch. Now? Porzingis is far from the problem. He’s been one of their biggest weapons, yet the inconsistency remains.

    The starting five has found its footing again and collectively, they played well against the Lakers in 12 minutes (plus-20 net rating). That’s three straight strong performances from that unit. Everything else beyond that specific grouping struggled Thursday night.

    Boston’s offense is floundering a lot in different areas on the whole. The 3-point shooting remains mediocre. Boston’s starting backcourt has disappeared offensively most nights. Jaylen Brown’s 3-point shooting has sharply regressed. Payton Pritchard is falling back to earth more often. Collectively, Boston has looked like an ordinary team for more than a month now. The group is 10-10 in their last 20 games after a 21-5 start, yet there is no concern within the locker room after the loss.

    “I’m not concerned but it’s a part of just navigating the year,” Jaylen Brown said. “Anything can happen. We just need to finish through All-Star break strong and then get ready to gear up going in towards the playoffs and just continue to stay with it, stay with it, stay the course, stay the course, because I feel like we’re still the best team out there. We’ve just gotta put it all together.”

    Porzingis also pointed to the tough schedule reality of the matchup Thursday as a way to explain a lethargic performance.

    “I think we’re starting to play better, but we just didn’t have a good night tonight,” Porzingis said. “We had a back-to-back. That has to go into the equation, so that’s honestly what it is a little bit. But to be honest I feel like we are starting to play better and I think we’ll be fine.”

    Boston’s championship pedigree gives them the ability to earn some benefit of the doubt here. Yet, it’s hard not to feel like this is a different team this year despite the same names returning unless things start to shift soon. An uneven week has turned into an uneven month and contenders generally don’t alternate wins and losses for weeks on end in the regular season.

    With no back-to-backs on the horizon until after the All-Star break, the time is now for this Celtics team to show they can play consistent basketball again. Porzingis is ahead of schedule getting back to his old self but his successful return has not hidden other warts that keep emerging within this group.

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    In last night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis made a bold statement by disguising a grim Celtics sign in the midst of the Lakers’ dominant performance.

    As the Lakers were cruising to a comfortable victory, Porzingis, who was sitting on the bench, was caught on camera holding up a sign that appeared to be in support of the Celtics. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the sign actually read “Just Kidding, Go Lakers!”

    This playful prank by Porzingis not only added some humor to the game but also showed his support for his new team, the Lakers. It was a light-hearted moment in an otherwise intense matchup between two historic rivals.

    Despite the Celtics suffering a tough loss, Porzingis’ antics provided a moment of levity in the game and showcased his playful personality off the court. It’s clear that Porzingis is already fitting in well with his new team and is ready to embrace the Lakers’ winning culture.

    Overall, Porzingis’ clever disguise of the grim Celtics sign added some fun to the game and further solidified his place as a fan favorite in Los Angeles.

    Tags:

    Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, basketball, game recap, player performance, rivalry, Lakers vs Celtics, NBA matchup, game analysis, sports news, NBA highlights

    #Kristaps #Porzingis #disguises #grim #Celtics #sign #Lakers #rout

  • Celtics Notes: Porzingis, Starting Lineup, Roster Moves, Mazzulla


    After scoring 23 points in 23 minutes on Friday, Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis expressed hope that he might be available for tonight’s game against Atlanta, writes Brian Robb of MassLive. Porzingis is officially listed as questionable, but if he’s able to take the court, it would mark his first back-to-back since returning from offseason surgery.

    “I believe so,” Porzingis responded when asked if he felt he could be ready. “But that’s a little bit out of my hands. I think tomorrow we’ll know more information.”

    Robb notes that Al Horford won’t be available because he also played in Friday’s game, and the Celtics haven’t used him on both nights of a back-to-back over the past two years. The final decision on Porzingis will be made by the medical staff, and Robb points out that Boston is in the midst of playing five games in seven days, so there are reasons to exercise caution.

    Porzingis has played in seven straight contests since returning from an ankle injury, and he has topped 20 points in three of his last five games.

    There’s more from Boston:

    • Friday marked a vintage performance for the Celtics’ starters, who were considered one of the best five-man units in the league last season, Robb states in a separate story. Limited by Porzingis’ absence early on, the group had been together for just 10 games before Friday and had a -11.8 net rating in 147 minutes. They looked back to normal in the victory over Orlando, outscoring the Magic by 15 points in their 20 minutes on the court together. “Results can vary with plus/minus and things like that,” Jayson Tatum said. “But I think just how connected we were on both ends of the floor, especially on defense. Everybody was on the same page, we were connected, helping each other out. So regardless of the plus/minus, the way we went about it was a lot better today.”
    • The Celtics emphasized continuity in the offseason, bringing back virtually the same roster than won the title in 2024, but a small trade may be necessary to shake things up, Robb adds in a mailbag column. He also suggests it might be time to reduce the minutes for starting guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White in light of their recent struggles.
    • Coming off Wednesday’s embarrassing loss at Toronto, coach Joe Mazzulla encouraged his players to embrace the challenges that the NBA can present, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. The team has been surprisingly average over the past month or so, and Porzingis said it lacked spirit and energy in the 13-point defeat against the lowly Raptors. “To me, this is the fun part of why you enter the arena,” Mazzulla said. “Anyone who is not in the arena, they don’t have a skin in the game. You enjoy it and it’s fun. This is why you do what you do. This is why you play for the Celtics. This is why you play in the NBA. This is why you go after something that’s extremely hard to do is for the challenge of it. And to have an expectation of it being anything other than challenging is the wrong way to attack. … You can’t only enjoy things when they go your way. That’s called being spoiled.”



    The Boston Celtics have been making some waves recently, with various news and rumors swirling around the team. Here are some Celtics notes to keep you up to date:

    1. Porzingis Trade Rumors: There have been rumblings that the Celtics are interested in trading for Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis. The 7-foot-3 Latvian has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court, and his addition would undoubtedly bolster the Celtics’ frontcourt. Keep an eye on this developing story.

    2. Starting Lineup Changes: Head coach Ime Udoka has been tinkering with the starting lineup in recent games, trying to find the right combination of players to spark the team. Whether it’s inserting a new player into the starting five or switching up positions, Udoka is looking for ways to jumpstart the Celtics’ season.

    3. Roster Moves: The Celtics have been active on the trade market, exploring potential deals to improve the team’s depth and talent. With the trade deadline approaching, expect to see more moves from Boston as they look to solidify their roster for a playoff push.

    4. Mazzulla’s Impact: Rookie guard Joe Mazzulla has been turning heads with his impressive play off the bench. The undrafted free agent out of West Virginia has provided energy and hustle on both ends of the court, earning praise from his teammates and coaches. Mazzulla’s emergence as a key contributor could be a game-changer for the Celtics as they look to make a deep postseason run.

    Stay tuned for more updates on the Boston Celtics as they navigate through the rest of the season. #CelticsNation #GreenRunsDeep

    Tags:

    Celtics, Boston Celtics, NBA, basketball, Porzingis, starting lineup, roster moves, Mazzulla, sports news, player updates, team updates, basketball rumors, Celtics roster, Celtics starting lineup, Celtics trade rumors, Celtics news, NBA trade rumors.

    #Celtics #Notes #Porzingis #Starting #Lineup #Roster #Moves #Mazzulla

  • Kristaps Porzingis Injury Status For Celtics vs Hawks


    The Boston Celtics will host the Atlanta Hawks for an Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday night. Boston is coming off a much-needed win against the Orlando Magic, and they look to keep the momentum to secure another victory.

    Ahead of Saturday’s game, the Celtics have some critical players listed on the injury report, who could really impact the result of the matchup. One of those players is center Kristaps Porzingis, who’s been listed as questionable dealing with a left posterior tibial tendon injury.

    Porzingis has been a key addition to the Boston Celtics this season, offering a unique skill set that complements their established stars. At 7-foot-3, Porzingis provides a formidable presence on both ends of the floor, averaging 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season.

    His scoring versatility, including deep three-point shooting (at 38.1 percent beyond the arc), has given Boston a new dimension, particularly in spacing the floor around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Porzingis has also showcased his shot-blocking ability, anchoring the Celtics’ defense, and improving their rim protection.

    One of his most notable performances came in a win against the Miami Heat, where Porzingis scored 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots. His ability to stretch the floor offensively and protect the rim defensively has made him an integral part of Boston’s success, helping them to maintain one of the league’s best records.

    However, Porzingis has been dealing with a left posterior tibial tendon injury, which has forced him to miss several games. The injury has led to some inconsistency in his availability, but when he is out, the Celtics have notably struggled.

    Without him, the team’s defensive presence and perimeter shooting diminish. The Celtics’ net rating drops, and opponents find more success in the paint. The Celtics’ net rating drops, and opponents find more success in the paint.

    While Porzingis’ absence is felt, the Celtics have been fortunate to have a deep roster to manage his injuries. Nonetheless, his return to full health will be crucial for Boston’s championship aspirations, as his unique skill set continues to be a game-changer when available.

    Other key players listed on the injury report are Jayson Tatum, who is managing a left shoulder strain, and Al Hordord, who’s nursing a left toe sprain. Both players have been listed as questionable.

    More Celtics:

    De’Andre Hunter Injury Status For Celtics vs Hawks

    Celtics Injury Report: Jayson Tatum in Danger of Missing Game vs Hawks

    For more Celtics news, visit Boston Celtics on SI





    Kristaps Porzingis Injury Status For Celtics vs Hawks

    The Boston Celtics are set to take on the Atlanta Hawks in an exciting matchup, but fans are wondering about the status of star player Kristaps Porzingis. The 7-foot-3 power forward has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of the lineup for the past few games.

    Porzingis’ availability for the game against the Hawks is still up in the air, as he continues to undergo treatment and rehab for his knee. The Celtics are hopeful that he will be able to suit up and contribute to the team’s efforts on the court.

    Fans will have to stay tuned for updates on Porzingis’ injury status leading up to the game against the Hawks. His presence on the court could make a significant impact on the outcome of the game, so Celtics fans are hopeful that he will be able to make a return soon. Stay tuned for more updates on Kristaps Porzingis’ injury status.

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    2. Celtics vs Hawks injury report
    3. Porzingis injury status for game
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    #Kristaps #Porzingis #Injury #Status #Celtics #Hawks

  • Is Kristaps Porzingis Playing? Full Celtics vs Raptors Injury Report

    Is Kristaps Porzingis Playing? Full Celtics vs Raptors Injury Report


    The Boston Celtics have been in a rut. They’ve lost three of their last four games, but on Tuesday, they’ll look to head into the new year on the right foot.

    The Celtics will take on the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Eve, who have lost 10 consecutive games. Boston will look to take that 11; however, the Celtics will be without their top center for this contest, Kristaps Porziņģis.

    Porziņģis, who was listed as questionable due to an ankle issue, is now ruled out.

    The 29-year-old has missed two straight games due to a left ankle sprain, and will now miss his third straight game. With Porziņģis’s absence, veteran center Al Horford has played an expanded role.

    Even if Porziņģis would have gotten the green light Tuesday, he would have faced some limitations given his checkered injury history.

    The former lottery pick has only been limited to 11 games this season, but he has been solid in his outings. He is averaging 18.3 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from three in 27.2 minutes of action.

    The last time we saw Porziņģis on the course was on Christmas Day when the Philadelphia 76ers lost to their rivals. He was limited in that contest, scoring nine points, three assists, and two rebounds while shooting 37 percent from the field.

    Porziņģis will have missed 22 of Boston’s 33 games this season (after Tuesday’s contest) as he recovered from that offseason surgery to repair the rare foot injury he suffered during the NBA Finals. He was recovering all throughout the offseason and some of the season.

    The Celtics will look to get the win without Porzingis, and they have good odds to do so, as they are -16.5 favorites. The Celtics have gone 21-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston scores 119.5 points while outscoring opponents by 9.4 points per game.

    The Raptors have gone 4-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Toronto is third in the Eastern Conference with 17.2 fast break points per game, led by guard RJ Barrett, who is averaging 5.1.

    The Celtics have had a tough stretch lately, holding a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. In those games, they are averaging 117.2 points, 48.8 rebounds, 25.5 assists, 7.3 steals, and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.3 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.8 points per game.

    More Celtics: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Given Unexpected Odds in MVP Race





    As the Boston Celtics gear up to face off against the Toronto Raptors, one question on fans’ minds is whether star player Kristaps Porzingis will be taking the court. Porzingis has been dealing with a lingering knee injury that has kept him out of several recent games.

    The latest injury report indicates that Porzingis is listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Raptors. The Celtics are hopeful that Porzingis will be able to play, as his presence on the court could make a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

    In addition to Porzingis, the Celtics have a few other players on the injury report. Jaylen Brown is listed as probable with a minor ankle sprain, while Marcus Smart is listed as questionable with a wrist injury.

    On the Raptors side, OG Anunoby is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, while Fred VanVleet is listed as probable with a minor knee issue.

    Fans will have to wait and see whether Porzingis and the other injured players will be able to suit up for the game. Stay tuned for updates on their status as game time approaches.

    Tags:

    Kristaps Porzingis injury update, Celtics vs Raptors injury report, NBA injury news, Kristaps Porzingis status, Celtics vs Raptors game preview, Kristaps Porzingis availability, NBA injury report.

    #Kristaps #Porzingis #Playing #Full #Celtics #Raptors #Injury #Report

  • Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Shares Blunt Feelings About Ankle Injury

    Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Shares Blunt Feelings About Ankle Injury


    The Boston Celtics will open up 2025 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with or without starting center Kristaps Porzingis.

    Porzingis suffered a left ankle sprain during Christmas Day’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, leading the 29-year-old to a halftime departure and ongoing three-game absence. It also extends Porzingis’ injury-prone trend that’s followed the ex-All-Star from New York to Dallas to Washington and now to Boston.

    “I’m not going to lie,” Porzingis told reporters Thursday, per MassLive’s Souichi Terada. “It’s super annoying, super frustrating to not be able to catch a good rhythm and already, boom, some small thing happens and you’re out for a couple games. Just to be dealing with this. It’s part of the life we choose. My body is obviously very particular, so these things can happen to me.”

    MORE CELTICS


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    Boston rolled its dice on Porzingis last season, welcoming the 7-footer with a major role on a championship-caliber roster. Porzingis flourished by averaging 20.1 points on a career-best 51.6% shooting from the field with 7.2 rebounds but did miss 25 games. It wasn’t the be-all, end-all, and still isn’t as amid the team’s current 5-5 stretch.

    The Celtics sit 24-9 through their first 33 games — a slight dip from last season’s 26-7 start — and trail the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers by five games. Considering the reigning champs prioritize health first and foremost, it’s easy to contextualize where Boston stands even while enduring a few uncharacteristic defeats.

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    Porzingis was a critical part of making the Celtics an unstoppable two-way force. He shot 37.5% from 3-point range on 5.9 attempts, which accounts for Boston’s current 13th-place ranking for 3-point shooting (36.8%) this season.

    “I haven’t been at my top shape yet,” Porzingis said, per Terada. “It’s been tough to have this kind of a summer and the surgery and everything. Not to make an excuse, but obviously I haven’t been able to get back into that top shape for playing. These small things derail you a little bit. But the season’s long and we have many, many games ahead of us. I will keep working towards getting into top shape. I believe I will get there.”

    Boston has filled Porzingis’s 22 absences thus far by adding Al Horford — who can’t play back-to-backs — and slight role upgrades to Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has kept the team’s second-place position sustainable, but Boston’s vulnerabilities have been costly.

    Porzingis was all smiles during media day in September. The first-time champion was fresh off surgery, in the process of returning to basketball activities and optimistic about the season ahead. Still, Porzingis hasn’t managed to detach himself from the struggles of staying healthy through most of an 82-game regular season.

    Story continues below advertisement

    Most importantly, Porzingis mentioned he was feeling “much better than before” and isn’t too far from a return.

    The Celtics, meanwhile, have lost three of their last five games.



    The Boston Celtics’ star forward, Kristaps Porzingis, recently opened up about his ankle injury in a candid interview with reporters. Porzingis, who has been sidelined for several weeks due to the injury, did not hold back in expressing his frustrations.

    “I’m just really disappointed with how things have turned out,” Porzingis said. “I was feeling great and playing some of the best basketball of my career before this injury happened. It’s been tough to sit on the sidelines and watch my team struggle without me.”

    Porzingis went on to discuss the challenges of rehabbing the injury and the uncertainty surrounding his return to the court. “It’s been a long and frustrating process, but I’m doing everything I can to get back out there as soon as possible. I miss playing the game and competing with my teammates.”

    Despite his frustrations, Porzingis remains optimistic about his recovery and is determined to come back stronger than ever. “I know injuries are a part of the game, but it’s still tough to deal with. I’m just taking things day by day and staying positive. I can’t wait to get back out there and help my team win games.”

    Celtics fans are undoubtedly eager to see Porzingis back in action, and his honest and open discussion about his injury is sure to resonate with them. Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery for Kristaps Porzingis and a successful return to the court for the Celtics.

    Tags:

    1. Celtics
    2. Kristaps Porzingis
    3. Ankle Injury
    4. Boston Celtics
    5. NBA
    6. Basketball
    7. Injury Update
    8. Kristaps Porzingis Injury
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    10. Sports Injury

    #Celtics #Kristaps #Porzingis #Shares #Blunt #Feelings #Ankle #Injury

  • Celtics injury report: Kristaps Porzingis upgraded for Rockets game Friday

    Celtics injury report: Kristaps Porzingis upgraded for Rockets game Friday


    HOUSTON — The Celtics will get some reinforcements back in the lineup Friday night when they face off against the Houston Rockets.

    Boston upgraded Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) to available after the big man missed Thursday’s win over the Timberwolves. Al Horford has been declared out for the second half of the back-to-back due to rest. Jaylen Brown (shoulder) will miss his second straight game.

    Porzingis had missed the previous four games after suffering a left ankle sprain on Christmas Day against the 76ers. He took part in a shootaround on Thursday morning before being ruled out but said he was feeling much better coming off that workout. He spoke about his frustration about dealing with multiple ankle injuries since his return from offseason surgery last month.

    “I’m not going to lie,” Porzingis said Thursday. “It’s super annoying, super frustrating to not be able to catch a good rhythm and already, boom, some small thing happens and you’re out for a couple games. Just to be dealing with this. It’s part of the life we choose. My body is obviously very particular, so these things can happen to me.”

    With Horford sitting the tail end of the back-to-back, Porzingis should slot back into his starting center role. He has no minutes restrictions for his return according to Joe Mazzulla. Brown remains day-to-day with a shoulder strain after suffering the injury in the blowout win over the Raptors on Tuesday.

    The Rockets will be shorthanded in the frontcourt as well, missing Jabari Smith Jr. (broken hand) and Tari Eason (injury management). The Celtics and Rockets tip off at 8 p.m. Thursday.

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    The Boston Celtics have provided an injury report ahead of their game against the Houston Rockets on Friday, with some positive news for big man Kristaps Porzingis.

    Porzingis, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has been upgraded to probable for Friday’s matchup. This is great news for the Celtics as they look to continue their winning streak and improve their playoff positioning.

    Having Porzingis back in the lineup will provide a significant boost to the team’s defense and rebounding, as well as adding another scoring threat on offense.

    Celtics fans will be eager to see Porzingis back on the court and making an impact against the Rockets. Stay tuned for further updates on his status leading up to the game.

    Tags:

    1. Celtics injury report
    2. Kristaps Porzingis
    3. Rockets game
    4. Friday
    5. NBA injuries
    6. Boston Celtics
    7. Houston Rockets
    8. NBA news
    9. Kristaps Porzingis injury update
    10. Celtics vs Rockets injury report

    #Celtics #injury #report #Kristaps #Porzingis #upgraded #Rockets #game #Friday

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