Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis made a triumphant return to the starting lineup on Monday after being sidelined since June with a leg injury. His impactful performance helped the Celtics cruise to a commanding 126-94 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
As Tim Bontemps of ESPN details, Porzingis contributed across the board, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocked shots in just under 23 minutes of action. His efficiency and presence were key in helping Boston secure the blowout win.
“I felt great,” the big man said with a smile during his post-game media session. “It was a long rehab, and I was itching to get back out there with this team after winning a championship. It was a good beginning, good first game back.”
Porzingis’ return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Celtics, as his unique skill set makes him a critical piece of the team’s strategy on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, his ability to score near the rim and stretch defenses with his three-point shooting adds another dimension to an already potent offense. The Celtics rank third in the NBA in offensive efficiency with a 120.9 offensive rating, and the inclusion of the player further diversifies their attack.
However, as Bontemps points out, it’s Porzingis’ defensive impact that could prove even more crucial. Boston, which led the league in rim protection last season, had dropped to 19th in that category before Monday’s game.
In his return, Porzingis played a significant role in the Celtics setting a season-high with 11 blocked shots, showcasing his ability to alter and deter opponents’ attempts at the basket.
His presence in the paint provides Boston with much-needed size and a shot-blocking anchor, qualities that were sorely missed during his absence. The Celtics will be looking to build on this strong defensive showing as they work toward regaining their status as one of the NBA’s most formidable defensive teams.
Beyond the numbers, the Latvian basketball star’s performance highlighted the value of his versatility and his seamless fit with the team’s core players. His ability to complement stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown ensures that the Celtics remain a balanced and dangerous opponent on both court ends.
With Porzingis back in the fold and looking sharp, Boston’s title defense appears to be back on track, and his reintegration into the lineup could be the key to maintaining their momentum as the season progresses.
Eastern Notes: Porzingis, Nets, Djurisic, McCain https://t.co/Gjkeu0l2rM pic.twitter.com/EEMqy7XQC2
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 26, 2024
