Kristaps Porzingis stood out despite a challenging game for the Boston Celtics, who faced an unfortunate defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Porzingis scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, shooting effectively from the floor with a 9-of-16 effort and hitting 2-of-5 from the 3-point line. Over the past month, he has become one of Boston’s most reliable players, averaging 19.4 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 48%. His recent 3-point shooting has notably improved to 46.7%, a positive sign for a player recovering from significant offseason leg surgery.
Porzingis expressed his growing confidence following the game, stating, “I’m feeling pretty good, honestly… Starting to feel better physically. I’m getting there.” His offensive performance has reflected his progress, particularly in his ability to take advantage of mismatches and his consistency from beyond the arc with a seasonal average of 38.4%.
However, even with Porzingis shining, the Celtics have struggled overall, going 5-4 in January games he has played and 7-5 in total for the month. The team has faced challenges beyond Porzingis’s contributions, as their inconsistent play continues to raise concerns. The starting five has shown promise, with a plus-20 net rating during their recent performance against the Lakers, yet the remaining squad has suffered.
Boston’s offensive struggles are evident, particularly in their 3-point shooting and the diminishing contributions from their backcourt. Jaylen Brown noted that while there are issues, the team is focusing on maintaining a positive outlook and preparing for the playoffs: “I’m not concerned… We just need to finish through the All-Star break strong.”
Porzingis acknowledged that the Celtics’ performance against the Lakers could be attributed in part to the toll of a back-to-back game. He emphasized that the team is improving and believes victory is within reach, stating, “I think we’re starting to play better… I think we’ll be fine.”
With no back-to-backs on the schedule until after the All-Star break, Boston has the opportunity to find its rhythm. Porzingis’s successful integration back into the lineup is promising, though the need for overall consistency remains critical for the Celtics to reclaim their championship contender status.
In summary, while the Celtics face uphill challenges, Porzingis’s resurgence provides a ray of hope. If the team can build off his performance and tighten their execution, they might just find the winning formula they require heading into the season’s later stages.