{"id":109174,"date":"2024-11-26T13:13:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T18:13:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=109174"},"modified":"2024-11-26T15:12:14","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T20:12:14","slug":"kristaps-porzingis-return-changes-everything-for-the-celtics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/26\/kristaps-porzingis-return-changes-everything-for-the-celtics\/","title":{"rendered":"Kristaps Porzingis’ Return Changes Everything for the Celtics"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a somewhat surprising fashion, Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> returned<\/a> to the court on Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Porzingis had been sidelined after undergoing a rare foot\/ankle surgery<\/a> in June. Despite having a 14-3 record without Porzingis, the Boston Celtics had several problems during his absence. Moreover, Porzingis raises the upside of this team and makes them truly unstoppable. Let’s dive into the significant impact of Porzingis’ return.<\/p>\n

Kristaps Porzingis’ Return Changes Everything for the Celtics<\/h2>\n

Problems Without Porzingis<\/h3>\n

Offense<\/h4>\n

With 39.3 points in the paint<\/a> per game, the Celtics rank dead last, however, last season, Boston averaged<\/a> 47 points in the paint. In Porzingis’ first game back, the Celtics scored<\/a> 46 points in the paint. Getting Porzingis back unlocks a new element in the Celtics’ offense, giving them an efficient post-up and vertical lob threat. In his first game back, Porzingis played in 23 minutes and notched 16 points, notably, five of his field goals<\/a> were in the paint, with four of them being at the rim. His play was central to the Celtics’ 126-94 win over the Clippers, moving Boston to 15-3 on the season.<\/p>\n

Porzingis’ paint presence, paired with his elite floor spacing, opens up the game for Jayson Tatum<\/a> and Jaylen Brown<\/a>. Porzingis’ presence especially elevates Brown as a playmaker. Even without Porzingis, the Celtics had the third-best offense<\/a> however, expect them to reclaim the league’s best offense<\/a> with KP back in the mix. Ultimately, he makes the Celtics’ offense more dominant and versatile.<\/p>\n

\n

Porzingis in his season debut:<\/p>\n

16 points (6\/12 FG)
\n6 rebounds
\n2 assists<\/p>\n

I\u2019m definitely impressed.<\/p>\n

pic.twitter.com\/I64m2eLODT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) November 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n