Title: Porzingis Leads Celtics to Victory in Impressive Debut Against the Knicks
New York, NY – In a highly-anticipated matchup, Kristaps Porzingis made an immediate impact in his first game with the Boston Celtics, guiding them to a thrilling 108-104 victory over his former team, the New York Knicks, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
Porzingis showcased his versatility with an outstanding performance, recording 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. Notably, he scored nine consecutive points in the fourth quarter, propelling the Celtics to a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Reflecting on his triumphant debut, Porzingis expressed his elation, stating, “That was awesome, I’m not going to lie. Playing here at the Garden is always special as the home team, obviously, but also on the road here it’s really fun.” The Latvian forward displayed no signs of nervousness or pressure, demonstrating his ability to perform under great expectations.
Porzingis notably set a franchise record for the most points in a Celtics debut, surpassing Dominique Wilkins’ 25-point mark set in 1994. He showcased his shooting prowess by leading the Celtics in 3-pointers, sinking 5 of 12 attempts, and displaying accuracy from the free-throw line, going 9-for-10. Additionally, Porzingis’s defensive presence was felt as he blocked four shots and altered several others.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Porzingis, acknowledging his unique contributions to the team’s strategy. Mazzulla said, “He has an innate ability to put two on the ball, whether they’re trying to pop and veer, whether they’re trying to blitz him.” Porzingis’s exceptional skills also allowed the Celtics to execute effective post-ups in crucial moments during the game.
Despite trailing by six points in the fourth quarter, the Celtics mounted an impressive comeback, thanks to Porzingis’s heroics. He played a significant role in a decisive 13-3 run, sinking crucial free throws and a clutch 3-pointer, ultimately securing the victory for his team.
The Celtics also saw the debut of Jrue Holiday, who joined the team just before the start of training camp. Holiday made a defensive impact, contributing to a stalwart effort that limited Knicks stars Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson to a combined 11-for-43 shooting performance.
Both teams displayed sharp shooting from beyond the arc, but the Celtics’ dominance inside the paint proved decisive. The Knicks shot well from deep, going 18-for-41 (43.9%) from 3-point range, while struggling inside, shooting only 32.1% (18-for-56). In contrast, the Celtics went 25-for-38 (65.7%) on 2-pointers.
Despite facing a hostile crowd that chanted anti-Porzingis sentiments, the Celtics maintained their composure and poise throughout the intense contest. The victory underscored the impact Porzingis has already made, validating the Celtics’ decision to trade Marcus Smart for his services.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum acknowledged Porzingis’s significance, stating, “He just makes us that much more dynamic obviously with his size, ability to shoot, make plays off the dribble.” Tatum praised his teammate’s all-around skills and recognized the valuable contribution Porzingis brings to the team.
As the Celtics begin their journey with Porzingis leading the charge, their victory against a playoff-caliber opponent has established high hopes for a successful season ahead. The team and its fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Porzingis’s continued brilliance on the court in the games to come.