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NBA News: Highlight show and WWE run-in! Morant and Porzingis celebrate comeback
Kristaps Porzingis couldn’t stop smiling: “It felt fantastic,” said the center after his season debut against the Los Angeles Clippers. “After winning the title, I was eager to play with the team again. It was a good start, a good first game,” said KP, satisfied with his performance. In the 126:94 win, he finished the first game after a five-month break with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.
However, the numbers alone only begin to reflect the Latvian’s value to the Celtics. Porzingis gives Boston defense at the ring (the Celtics achieved a season best with 11 blocks) and offensive spacing, which the reigning champions need for their three-man game. However, not everything from Downtown was successful, only two of his six attempts found the target. KP was calm about the odds: “It’s part of the process. Especially in the first game back, the timing may not be perfect, that’s normal.”
His teammates were also looking forward to the “unicorn’s” return and allowed him the honor of entering the arena alone. Coach Joe Mazzulla concluded: “It helps that he’s back.”
The Memphis Grizzlies also had reason to be happy: Ja Morant returned after missing eight games – and picked up exactly where he left off. The point guard put up 22 points, 11 assists and some spectacular plays in 23 minutes in the comfortable win against the Portland Trail Blazers. The superstar was satisfied with his performance: “It felt good. I think I played quite well.” This directly exceeded his previous season averages of 20.8 points and 9.3 assists. There was also high praise from coach Taylor Jenkins: “He works damn hard. Last week was the best I’ve seen from him so far.”
