While he had not played a minute of play for several weeks, Kristaps Porzingis delivered a very high level match to help the Boston Celtics dominate Game 1. His first half will go down in the history of the Finals NBA.
Let’s start with two funny statistics.
First, Kristaps Porzingis had played 473 games during his career, for 472 starts. The last time he came off the bench? On January 19, 2017, Kyle O’Quinn started in his place for the New York Knicks. Then, the Latvian – injured since the series against the Miami Heat more than a month ago – played last night in the first Playoff match… outside of the first round. You can not make that up.
The one who, until the end, was uncertain because of his hamstring injuries, answered all the questions in the most beautiful way possible. While four minutes have passed in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the TD Garden exults when Porzi walks towards the scorer’s table. And when he lands on the floor… his landing is worthy of June 6.
Directly in a superb rhythm, Porzingis strings on his mid-distances and is respected in defense. The interiors of Dallas are traumatized, and the exteriors can only raise their hands to try to contest his attempts from afar. Nothing works.
WHAT. A. SEQUENCE. 😱
Porzingis deep 3.
Porzingis block.
Hauser 3.
Porzingis block.
Boston leads in Game 1 on ABC! pic.twitter.com/4KdBGriOSd
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2024
By far the best player on the floor, fans will long remember his first half to kick off these Finals. The Latvian sets the tone, in a sort of mix between Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon, or Kevin Durant and Bill Russell if you prefer. It’s crazy.
In 13 minutes of play at the break, he compiled 18 points (7/9 shooting), 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 bombs from the South Boston parking lot. Nothing shines more than it, nothing is more fluid, nothing is stronger. Tingus Pingus has ice in his veins and is nothing like a penguin.
Kristaps Porzingis Game 1 highlights (HD) pic.twitter.com/CEwHOjMY7X
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 7, 2024
Spared in the second half, during which he only played 7 minutes, he was still valuable with 3 rebounds and an additional basket. While Jaylen Brown takes the game into his own hands, and Dallas fails to play basketball, Joe Mazzulla can afford to rest his X factor.
Pep Guardiola, in the front row with a backwards white cap, observes as usual an athlete from northern Europe destroying everything in his path. But evening style is a mix between the subtle and the beastly. The TD Garden only has eyes for him and explodes with each of his actions. Placing such a classic after 10 OUT games on the head of a non-existent Daniel Gafford – Dereck Lively – Derrick Jones Jr. trio is strong. Very strong.
Kristaps Porzingis (re)came, saw and won. 20 points at 8/13 shooting, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. In 20 minutes of play, Latvian KP didn’t have time, but he had a great time.
1st game back in the lineup ✅
1st-career NBA Finals game ✅
…and Kristaps Porzingis came up BIG. 💪
20 PTS (8-13 FGM)
6 REB
3 BLK
Celtics take a 1-0 in the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV! pic.twitter.com/hPYDbPGrkL
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2024
2024-06-07 03:41:00
#Kristaps #Porzingis #hero #Boston #Celtics #big #comeback
