{"id":136354,"date":"2025-04-26T11:28:47","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T15:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=136354"},"modified":"2025-04-26T11:28:47","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T15:28:47","slug":"kristaps-porzingis-step-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/26\/kristaps-porzingis-step-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is Must Step Up for the Celtics"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Boston Celtics<\/a> are leading the Orlando Magic<\/a> 2-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. However, Celtics big man Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is<\/a> has notably struggled. This won’t change the outcome of the series, as barring something absurd happening, the Celtics will win, but for Boston to be at their best, Porzi\u0146\u0123is must play better. Let’s dive into Porzi\u0146\u0123is’ series so far.<\/p>\n

Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is Must Step Up for the Celtics<\/h2>\n

Porzi\u0146\u0123is’ Offense Has Been Lackluster<\/h3>\n

Heading into the playoffs, Porzi\u0146\u0123is was a clear X-Factor<\/a> for the Celtics. In the playoffs, Porzi\u0146\u0123is is averaging just 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1 assist on 28.1\/0\/66.7 shooting splits. Three games into the series, Porzi\u0146\u0123is has had two absolute stinkers and one fairly productive yet shaky game. Game 3’s loss was a tough night for KP as he notched seven points on 3-10 shooting, posting a team worst plus-minus of -16. In Game 1, he posted five points on 1-8 shooting. While Porzi\u0146\u0123is recorded 20 points and heroically returned after a brutal head injury<\/a>, he still shot 5-14 from the field in Game 2. The difference in this game was his ability to draw fouls as he shot 14 free throws; this style could be a blueprint for Porzi\u0146\u0123is to get back on track.<\/p>\n

Porzi\u0146\u0123is provides tremendous value to the Celtics’ offense as a lob threat, a post presence who exposes mismatches, and a floor spacer. However, none of this value has been on display in the playoffs. Porzi\u0146\u0123is is 0-10 from three, missing both open and difficult looks. He also isn’t taking advantage of mismatches; Porzi\u0146\u0123is has shot 1-7<\/a> on shots against Cory Joseph<\/a>, typically this is a matchup the 7-foot-2 big man could expose. Moreover, Porzi\u0146\u0123is has uncharacteristically failed to catch and finish lobs.<\/p>\n

Orlando’s length and strength have undoubtedly bothered Porzi\u0146\u0123is; however, shooting 28.1 percent from the field is worrisome. Porzi\u0146\u0123is’ shots will eventually start falling, but some of these struggles seem inexplicable. After Game 3’s loss, Porzi\u0146\u0123is didn’t shy away from discussing his poor play.<\/p>\n

\n

Kristaps Porzingis was bummed at his performance: <\/p>\n

\u201cIt stings, man. I have to take accountability. I played like shit.\u201d <\/p>\n

(Q: @SouichiTerada<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/c4siClOcTb<\/a><\/p>\n

— Noa Dalzell \ud83c\udfc0 (@NoaDalzell) April 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n