Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t struggled much since arriving in Boston. For the most part, the big man’s dominance has been as consistent as the smile glued to his face since he arrived in The Hub.
However, in the Celtics’ Game 2 loss to the Miami Heat, Porzingis had what he declared his worst game as a Celtic. Boston’s big finished the night shooting 1-of-9 (11.1%), failing to connect on all four of his attempts from deep en route to a staggering -32 plus-minus, marking the second-worst mark of his career and his poorest as a Celtic.
In Game 3, the Latvian native returned to his dominant self.
Porzingis opened the scoring with the first eight points of the game for Boston, almost matching his nine-point performance from Game 2. Porzingis finished the night with 18 points, shooting efficiently at 55.6% from the field and 60.0% from three-point range while also grabbing five rebounds and dishing out two assists.
“It was a long two days. The way it burns inside, after a game like that, after a loss like that, and me probably having my worst game as a Celtic, it really burned inside, I’m not going to lie,” Porzingis said following his bounce back Game 3.
“It was a long two days until I got another opportunity, and I made some adjustments and didn’t fall too much into their game of this – physical all the time — that’s what they want me to do. So, completely different game today.”
The 7-foot-2 big man was in complete control on both ends of the floor and played a crucial role in Boston’s offensive spacing. Additionally, despite early foul trouble, Porzingis effectively limited Bam Adebayo to 3-of-10 (30%) shooting when serving as the closest defender. As a team, Miami shot 7-of-20 (35%) against Porzingis, underscoring his elite rim protection.
“Just being aggressive,” Jaylen Brown said on Porzingis postgame. “I don’t think he was looking for calls, especially being on the road, and he was embracing that physicality of the game, and he came out with that mindset, and that’s what we need him to do every night.”
The 28-year-old has lived up to everything Brad Stevens envisioned and more. His contribution in Game 3 is precisely what the Celtics needed. Porzingis has consistently been the game-changer for Boston throughout the year and will undoubtedly be the most significant piece of the puzzle that is Banner 18. Jayson Tatum reiterated that point after the game.
“Probably the most important guy on our team for what we're trying to accomplish,” Tatum said. “No doubt in my mind – knew he was going to have a better game and bounce back. Just the way he started out the game on both ends of the floor – being active. When he’s protecting the rim, contesting shots, we’re a whole different team.”
Porzingis acts as Boston's safety valve. His unique skill set opens the game for Boston on both ends of the floor, presenting a valuable asset that Boston must capitalize on as the postseason unfolds.
“It’s important that we get him going on both ends of the floor. I think just getting him involved is important. Moving him around. He has the ability to create indecision,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s going to be involved on both ends. He’s a huge impact for us.”
Performances like Game 1 and Game 3 are exactly why the Celtics pursued Porzingis in the first place, and he showed on Saturday night that Game 2 was just one of those inevitable hiccups.
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