Kristaps Porzingis delivered an outstanding performance last week, securing a double-double in all three games with averages of 22 points and 10.7 rebounds. His efforts contributed substantially to the Boston Celtics’ two victories during this stretch.
In the Eastern Conference, Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers was named the Player of the Week. The standout guard posted impressive stats, averaging 26 points, 7.7 assists, and shooting 52.8% from the field across three games.His leadership helped the Cavaliers clinch two wins.
Meanwhile, Domantas sabonis of the Sacramento Kings dominated the Western Conference, earning the Player of the Week honor. The Lithuanian center averaged a remarkable 22 points, 20.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over three games, leading the Kings to a perfect 3-0 record for the week.
Other notable contenders for the Eastern Conference award included Giannis antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), and Porzingis’ teammate Jayson Tatum. In the West, standout performers like Devin Booker and kevin Durant (phoenix Suns), DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk (Kings), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), Alperen Sengun (houston rockets), and Russell westbrook (Denver Nuggets) also made strong cases for the accolade.
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Exclusive Interview with NBA Legend Paul Pierce: Breaking down the Week's Top Performers
Welcome to another edition of courtside Conversations, where we dive deep into the latest happenings in the NBA. Today, we’re thrilled to have NBA Hall of Famer and former Boston Celtics superstar Paul Pierce join us. Paul, it’s an honor to have you here!
Moderator: Paul, let’s jump right into the action.Last week, Kristaps Porzingis had a stellar run for the celtics, averaging 22 points and 10.7 rebounds across three games. What are your thoughts on his performance and his impact on the team?
paul Pierce: Thank you for having me! kristaps has been a game-changer for the Celtics. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting while also dominating the boards is invaluable. What I love most is his consistency—securing a double-double in all three games isn’t easy.He’s proving to be the perfect complement to Jayson Tatum, and that’s what the Celtics needed to stay competitive in the East.
Moderator: speaking of the East, darius Garland was named the Eastern Conference player of the Week. He averaged 26 points and 7.7 assists while leading the Cavaliers to two wins. Do you think he was the right choice, or should someone like Porzingis or Giannis Antetokounmpo have taken the honor?
Paul Pierce: Garland absolutely deserved it. When you look at his numbers and how he carried the Cavaliers,it’s hard to argue against him. Porzingis and Giannis were fantastic, but garland’s leadership and efficiency—shooting over 52% from the field—set him apart. The Cavaliers are hitting their stride, and Garland is a big reason why.
Moderator: Switching to the West, Domantas Sabonis put up ridiculous numbers: 22 points, 20.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He led the Kings to a 3-0 week. How does his performance stack up against other big men in the league right now?
Paul Pierce: Sabonis is a beast. Those numbers are absurd—20 rebounds a game is no joke. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a playmaker too, with 7 assists per game. I’d put him right up there with the likes of nikola Jokic. What’s notable is how he’s elevating the Kings. They’re a team to watch in the West, and Sabonis is their engine.
Moderator: Let’s talk about the competition.In the East, Giannis, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jayson Tatum are all making strong cases for MVP consideration. Who do you think has the edge right now?
Paul Pierce: It’s a tough call, but I’d give the edge to Giannis. He’s been dominant on both ends of the floor, and the Bucks are rolling. Haliburton has been phenomenal, but I think Giannis’s two-way impact gives him the edge. That said,Tatum is right there too.It’s going to be a engaging race.
Moderator: Lastly, let’s get the fans involved. Who do you think is the most underrated player performing in the league right now? Paul, I’ll let you go first.
Paul Pierce: I’d say Alperen Sengun of the Rockets. The guy is averaging nearly a triple-double and doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. He’s turning heads with his skill set, and I think he’s only going to get better.
Moderator: That’s a great pick. Now, readers, we want to hear from you! who do you think is the most underrated player in the NBA right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the conversation going.
Thanks again to Paul Pierce for joining us today. be sure to tune in next week for more courtside Conversations!
