Kristaps Porzingis, Chicago Bulls
Getty
Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics watches a free throw against the Chicago Bulls.
The Golden State Warriors entered Thursday night’s matchup against the Boston Celtics without their two best players. Stephen Curry remained out with a knee injury. Jimmy Butler’s season ended last month after tearing his ACL. Golden State sits eighth in the Western Conference, fighting to maintain its play-in position.
Thursday brought a significant development despite the challenging circumstances. Kristaps Porzingis was cleared to make his Warriors debut just hours before tip-off. He’d missed over six weeks with a left Achilles issue.
The opponent added another layer to the night. Boston was the franchise Porzingis won a championship with in 2024. Before the game, he addressed what the past year has been like.
Porzingis Addresses Difficult Year
The journey from Boston’s 2024 championship to Thursday night in San Francisco was challenging for Porzingis. He battled POTS through last season’s playoffs, a condition that sapped his energy and limited his effectiveness when the Celtics needed him most. He recovered over the summer and felt healthy heading into the season with Atlanta. Then the Achilles became problematic and everything fell apart. He appeared in fewer than half of the Hawks‘ games before the trade to the Warriors.
When asked about his season before Thursday’s game, Porzingis didn’t sugarcoat it.
“Tough, honestly,” Porzingis said. “Not the most enjoyable season, especially since that playoffs, then the summertime I was healthy, I was good. And then kind of up-and-down this season, not playing too much.”
The honesty stood out. Porzingis acknowledged the difficulty without trying to minimize what the past year cost him. For a player who’s spent much of his career managing health questions, the transparency carried weight.
His next comment revealed where his focus is now.
“But I’m actually excited about being here now,” Porzingis said. “Feeling good today.”
The shift from reflecting on a difficult stretch to expressing optimism about what comes next happened in one breath. The past is behind him. Golden State represents a fresh start.
Noa Dalzell 🏀
Asked Kristaps Porzingis what this year has been like, since we last saw him in Boston:
“Tough, honestly. Not the most enjoyable season, especially since that playoffs, then the summer-time I was healthy, I was good. And then kind of up-and-down this season, not playing too
What Porzingis Showed in Warriors Debut
Thursday was never going to produce a polished performance. Porzingis hadn’t played in over six weeks. He was joining a new team hours before tip-off. He was facing a Celtics squad that dominated from the opening quarter. The circumstances weren’t ideal.
Still, the new Warriors big man provided enough in 17 minutes to validate the optimism around his arrival. His 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting came in spurts, particularly after halftime when his comfort level with the pace and personnel improved noticeably. The floor spacing he brings as a shooting big was evident. His two blocks demonstrated the rim protection that makes him valuable defensively.
Al Horford, his former Celtics teammate now playing alongside him in Golden State, addressed expectations after the game. Horford made clear he expects Porzingis to continue building and believes the Warriors will see a different version of him as the weeks progress.
Porzingis echoed that patience himself. He understands his conditioning isn’t where it needs to be. He identified rhythm as what he’s chasing most right now.
What Boston Meant to Porzingis
Facing his former team carried significance for Porzingis. He left Boston under circumstances largely outside his control. The departure was practical. The feelings about the place weren’t.
Before Thursday’s game, Porzingis spoke about what those years in Boston gave him.
“We had our time there and enjoyed every moment of it,” Porzingis said. “At the end we accomplished the big objective. It’s an iconic franchise, so it’ll always be in my memory as a special time.”
The championship anchors everything. Whatever complications followed, Porzingis achieved what every player chases. He got it in Boston. That doesn’t fade.
Taylor Snow
Lotta Celtics postgame hugs for Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis
Final Word for the Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis arrived at Chase Center Thursday with a difficult year behind him and an uncertain road ahead. He was honest about the former and composed about the latter.
Golden State cannot afford another health setback. With Curry out and Butler done for the season, Porzingis is the most talented offensive option available to Steve Kerr right now. The play-in spot the Warriors are protecting requires him on the floor making an impact.
Thursday was one game. The result was a comfortable Boston victory. But Porzingis gave Golden State something to build from, and his mindset suggests the difficult year has sharpened his focus.
He’s feeling good. The Warriors need him to stay that way.