Kristaps Porzingis made his first seven shots and finished with 21 points in the Celtics’ 133-123 win over the Knicks.
Due to a left calf strain, Kristaps Porzingis missed four games, but he returned to help the Boston Celtics advance to 10-0 at TD Garden.
They have won seven of those games by double digits, including their 133-123 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday.
This one made it clear that Porzingis had returned to the starting lineup in time. He made his first seven shots and scored the opening eight points for the hosts without missing a beat.
19 PTS on 7/8 FG 👀
Kristaps is cooking.
Knicks-Celtics | Live on NBA TV
📲 https://t.co/1wqRX7Uwkw pic.twitter.com/4ggoAH8Edg— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2023
The former All-Star was a dangerous player, finishing three of his six attempts from beyond the arc and dominating in the mid-post. He would frequently get the ball with his back to the basket before turning around and shooting over his opponent.
Porzingis finished with 21 points on 7/13 shooting, helping propel Boston past his former team.
After the victory, when asked how his left calf held up and how he felt after his return, he told Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston, “Felt great out there. Of course, a little bit at first, wind in the first quarter hit me. But overall, I felt good and happy about coming back and getting a win.”
Porzingis also discussed Jaylen Brown’s performance, the latter’s first-career ejection, and the importance of the balance the Celtics demonstrated on a night where all five starters scored in double-figures.