Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, who was once expected to be the long-term co-star alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas, was adamant that there is “no ill will” about their tenure with the Mavericks not going as planned as he prepares to face his former team in the NBA Finals. The Mavs made a blockbuster trade to acquire Porzingis from the New York Knicks in January 2019, midway through Doncic’s rookie season, a deal Dallas will finally pay in full by sending New York the No. 24 overall pick in this year’s draft.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Al Horford to @John_Zannis: “(Porzingis) has looked good. Kristaps, he’s more of a gamer … if he says he’s playing, he’s gonna be ready to roll.” pic.twitter.com/F0xT6Pxssi – 5:15 PM
Al Horford to @John_Zannis: “(Porzingis) has looked good. Kristaps, he’s more of a gamer … if he says he’s playing, he’s gonna be ready to roll.” pic.twitter.com/F0xT6Pxssi – 5:15 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Porzingis is now officially active, but he said it’s “not super clear” what his conditioning level & minutes will look like.
Full interview today: youtu.be/2LRzLFsvO68 pic.twitter.com/OA82FQ59kD – 4:45 PM
Porzingis is now officially active, but he said it’s “not super clear” what his conditioning level & minutes will look like.
Full interview today: youtu.be/2LRzLFsvO68 pic.twitter.com/OA82FQ59kD – 4:45 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kristaps Porzingis confirms ‘I’m going to play tomorrow’ in Game 1 of NBA Finals
nbcsports.com/nba/news/krist… – 4:41 PM
Kristaps Porzingis confirms ‘I’m going to play tomorrow’ in Game 1 of NBA Finals
nbcsports.com/nba/news/krist… – 4:41 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Celtics report no injuries, meaning Kristaps Porzingis is officially set to go for Game 1. #Mavericks – 4:10 PM
#Celtics report no injuries, meaning Kristaps Porzingis is officially set to go for Game 1. #Mavericks – 4:10 PM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
The Celtics’ injury report does not include Kristaps Porzingis. He is playing Game 1. – 4:09 PM
The Celtics’ injury report does not include Kristaps Porzingis. He is playing Game 1. – 4:09 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Porzingis is officially a go for Game 1 👀
#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/4XXdALfryq – 3:50 PM
Porzingis is officially a go for Game 1 👀
#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/4XXdALfryq – 3:50 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Kristaps Porzingis injury update: Celtics big man confirms he will play in Game 1 of NBA Finals vs. Mavericks cbssports.com/nba/news/krist… – 2:49 PM
Kristaps Porzingis injury update: Celtics big man confirms he will play in Game 1 of NBA Finals vs. Mavericks cbssports.com/nba/news/krist… – 2:49 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
It’s light work but it’s more than we’ve seen from Porzingis as Celtics open up their Finals practice pic.twitter.com/miPFbNoEi6 – 2:31 PM
It’s light work but it’s more than we’ve seen from Porzingis as Celtics open up their Finals practice pic.twitter.com/miPFbNoEi6 – 2:31 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Porzingis now on the floor trying out shots off both legs. pic.twitter.com/BxyS9hQ26F – 2:29 PM
Porzingis now on the floor trying out shots off both legs. pic.twitter.com/BxyS9hQ26F – 2:29 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
While the #Celtics are practicing at TD Garden, Kristaps Porzingis is doing calf strengthening exercises with the conditioning coaches. – 2:20 PM
While the #Celtics are practicing at TD Garden, Kristaps Porzingis is doing calf strengthening exercises with the conditioning coaches. – 2:20 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Just a brief Kristaps Porzingis appearance so far. pic.twitter.com/NT1LTRu252 – 2:15 PM
Just a brief Kristaps Porzingis appearance so far. pic.twitter.com/NT1LTRu252 – 2:15 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Kristaps Porzingis said that he’s going to play in Game 1, but that it’s still “open” when it comes to what his conditioning level is going to be. He said he’s done light work on the court the last couple days, & will again today, but has to see how he feels as the game goes on. – 1:36 PM
Kristaps Porzingis said that he’s going to play in Game 1, but that it’s still “open” when it comes to what his conditioning level is going to be. He said he’s done light work on the court the last couple days, & will again today, but has to see how he feels as the game goes on. – 1:36 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Kristaps Porziņģis confirms he will play in the NBA Finals tomorrow pic.twitter.com/sNKMw04y50 – 1:31 PM
Kristaps Porziņģis confirms he will play in the NBA Finals tomorrow pic.twitter.com/sNKMw04y50 – 1:31 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Draymond Green was critical of Al Horford defending pick-and-roll during #NBAPlayoffs, agreed with Charles Barkley the Celtics need Kristaps Porzingis to win title.
Porzingis to return Game 1 #NBAFinals vs. Mavs led by pick-and-roll gods Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/skoo5PxRDt – 1:06 PM
Draymond Green was critical of Al Horford defending pick-and-roll during #NBAPlayoffs, agreed with Charles Barkley the Celtics need Kristaps Porzingis to win title.
Porzingis to return Game 1 #NBAFinals vs. Mavs led by pick-and-roll gods Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/skoo5PxRDt – 1:06 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“I really like having him out there.”
@Scalabrine breaks down how Kristaps Porziņģis can influence the Finals
#NBAFinals | #DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/NU04xE7WXn – 1:02 PM
“I really like having him out there.”
@Scalabrine breaks down how Kristaps Porziņģis can influence the Finals
#NBAFinals | #DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/NU04xE7WXn – 1:02 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Luka Dončić on why his partnership with Kristaps Porziņģis didn’t work. nytimes.com/athletic/55344… pic.twitter.com/qosrqcUD5R – 12:51 PM
Luka Dončić on why his partnership with Kristaps Porziņģis didn’t work. nytimes.com/athletic/55344… pic.twitter.com/qosrqcUD5R – 12:51 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Jason Kidd praised Porzingis for the 34 games they spent together. Said he’s a guy willing to commit to a role, and noted how he began the process of moving back into the post during Kidd’s first year (21-22) after the Carlisle years where he shifted away from there. – 12:38 PM
Jason Kidd praised Porzingis for the 34 games they spent together. Said he’s a guy willing to commit to a role, and noted how he began the process of moving back into the post during Kidd’s first year (21-22) after the Carlisle years where he shifted away from there. – 12:38 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
First 2 questions to Kidd are about Porzingis. pic.twitter.com/hSJRm3FF8i – 12:37 PM
First 2 questions to Kidd are about Porzingis. pic.twitter.com/hSJRm3FF8i – 12:37 PM
Mike Curtis @MikeACurtis2
Jason Kidd on why it didn’t work with Kristaps Porzingis: pic.twitter.com/v5OVTaiyKX – 12:37 PM
Jason Kidd on why it didn’t work with Kristaps Porzingis: pic.twitter.com/v5OVTaiyKX – 12:37 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
I spoke with three NBA assistant coaches from other teams on the NBA Finals. Two predicted the Celtics will beat the Mavs. One NBA assistant coach to @Sportskeeda: “I’m still going to pick Boston with or without Porzingis.” bit.ly/4bLeyMJ – 10:32 AM
I spoke with three NBA assistant coaches from other teams on the NBA Finals. Two predicted the Celtics will beat the Mavs. One NBA assistant coach to @Sportskeeda: “I’m still going to pick Boston with or without Porzingis.” bit.ly/4bLeyMJ – 10:32 AM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
🎙 NEW CELTICS TALK POD
Kristaps Porzingis talked before his return in Game 1 of the Finals. Did it make us feel any better? @John_Karalis answers that question and we detail the scene at the Auerbach Center.
🎧 bit.ly/CelticsTalk
📺 youtu.be/hK-zjCwSTtQ pic.twitter.com/uMRW2lKy5n – 9:02 AM
🎙 NEW CELTICS TALK PODKristaps Porzingis talked before his return in Game 1 of the Finals. Did it make us feel any better? @John_Karalis answers that question and we detail the scene at the Auerbach Center.
🎧 bit.ly/CelticsTalk
📺 youtu.be/hK-zjCwSTtQ pic.twitter.com/uMRW2lKy5n – 9:02 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Luka Doncic laughs off former player’s comments that Mavs star has beef with Kristaps Porzingis
cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-f… – 8:40 AM
Luka Doncic laughs off former player’s comments that Mavs star has beef with Kristaps Porzingis
cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-f… – 8:40 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
NBA Finals: Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis says he’ll return for Game 1 against his former team: ‘I think it’s gonna be great’ nj.com/sports/2024/06… – 7:30 AM
NBA Finals: Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis says he’ll return for Game 1 against his former team: ‘I think it’s gonna be great’ nj.com/sports/2024/06… – 7:30 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
The Starting Lineup with @TheFrankIsola & @Scalabrine is LIVE from Boston!
🏀 Kristaps Porzingis Update
🏀 LeBron on Kyrie Irving
🏀 @ByJayKing at 8:00am ET
📻 Listen Live: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive
📱 Call the Show: 855-NBA-JUMP (855-622-5867) pic.twitter.com/fJ1HnLJJk8 – 7:10 AM
The Starting Lineup with @TheFrankIsola & @Scalabrine is LIVE from Boston!
🏀 Kristaps Porzingis Update
🏀 LeBron on Kyrie Irving
🏀 @ByJayKing at 8:00am ET
📻 Listen Live: sxm.app.link/nbaradiolive
📱 Call the Show: 855-NBA-JUMP (855-622-5867) pic.twitter.com/fJ1HnLJJk8 – 7:10 AM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
So … KP is back in time for the Finals. What kind of impact should we expect? We break it down on the latest episode of the Big 3 NBA Podcast.
Listen, Watch & SUBSCRIBE
📺: youtu.be/iwTTl-KCPvc
🎧: bit.ly/45cPtYy
by PrizePicks & Gametime – Code CLNS pic.twitter.com/TusiQvCxzA – 6:00 AM
So … KP is back in time for the Finals. What kind of impact should we expect? We break it down on the latest episode of the Big 3 NBA Podcast.
Listen, Watch & SUBSCRIBE
📺: youtu.be/iwTTl-KCPvc
🎧: bit.ly/45cPtYy
by PrizePicks & Gametime – Code CLNS pic.twitter.com/TusiQvCxzA – 6:00 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
“I have talked to Chandler Parsons maybe twice in my life” – Luka Doncic on the retired player citing issues between him and Kristaps Porzingis
injury updates on the European stars #NBAFinals
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 4:16 AM
“I have talked to Chandler Parsons maybe twice in my life” – Luka Doncic on the retired player citing issues between him and Kristaps Porzingis
injury updates on the European stars #NBAFinalseurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 4:16 AM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
How will the Celtics’ dominant D handle Luka? Just how important is Kristaps Porzingis? Can the Celtics match the Mavs in crunch time?
NBA Finals preview, for @FOXSports:
foxsports.com/stories/nba/20… – 10:04 PM
How will the Celtics’ dominant D handle Luka? Just how important is Kristaps Porzingis? Can the Celtics match the Mavs in crunch time?
NBA Finals preview, for @FOXSports:
foxsports.com/stories/nba/20… – 10:04 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
New @loceltics w/me & @Tom_NBA ….
We get into Porzingis’ comments about being 100% (he’s not, yet), what the Celtics need out of him, and how much of an impact he can make even if he’s not his normal self.
Watch it: youtu.be/Vzr1vOsU8pU
Audio hitting feeds later pic.twitter.com/Wg1NxjoTBP – 9:51 PM
New @loceltics w/me & @Tom_NBA ….
We get into Porzingis’ comments about being 100% (he’s not, yet), what the Celtics need out of him, and how much of an impact he can make even if he’s not his normal self.
Watch it: youtu.be/Vzr1vOsU8pU
Audio hitting feeds later pic.twitter.com/Wg1NxjoTBP – 9:51 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Dallas made 50% of their field goals in WCF against #1 defense in NBA
Indiana (league’s top offense, Tyrese out in 3-4) made 50.7% of their field goals in ECF against #2 defense in NBA (Porzingis out for series)
Mavericks are going to get buckets. Boston better get them too… – 8:44 PM
Dallas made 50% of their field goals in WCF against #1 defense in NBA
Indiana (league’s top offense, Tyrese out in 3-4) made 50.7% of their field goals in ECF against #2 defense in NBA (Porzingis out for series)
Mavericks are going to get buckets. Boston better get them too… – 8:44 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Kristaps Porzingis BACK for Celtics in NBA Finals | The Garden Report x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 8:40 PM
Kristaps Porzingis BACK for Celtics in NBA Finals | The Garden Report x.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 8:40 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Kristaps Porzingis will be back from injury for the Finals. It’s a source of intrigue for fans, but maybe not so much for the players.
mavs.com/porzingis-retu… – 7:47 PM
Kristaps Porzingis will be back from injury for the Finals. It’s a source of intrigue for fans, but maybe not so much for the players.
mavs.com/porzingis-retu… – 7:47 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
New on BSJ: Kristaps Porzigis is clearly not 100%, but at this point, it’s close enough bostonsportsjournal.com/2024/06/04/kri… – 6:34 PM
New on BSJ: Kristaps Porzigis is clearly not 100%, but at this point, it’s close enough bostonsportsjournal.com/2024/06/04/kri… – 6:34 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
🚨NEW PODCAST🚨
Kristaps Porzingis plans to play in Game 1, but his press conference left some room for pessimism anyway.
Full episode: patreon.com/posts/video-kr… – 4:58 PM
🚨NEW PODCAST🚨
Kristaps Porzingis plans to play in Game 1, but his press conference left some room for pessimism anyway.
Full episode: patreon.com/posts/video-kr… – 4:58 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
How Boston will treat kinesio tape if Porzingis makes it through the series in one piece and Boston wins pic.twitter.com/dtNfcQc2Z1 – 4:58 PM
How Boston will treat kinesio tape if Porzingis makes it through the series in one piece and Boston wins pic.twitter.com/dtNfcQc2Z1 – 4:58 PM
More on this storyline
“Not all of it was like not good,” Porzingis said of his time in Dallas, which included a pair of first-round playoff exits. “We had some good moments. We had some decent moments, but overall it just didn’t work for both sides. It wasn’t perfect. But I would say everything — teammates, locker room — I know at that time there were some rumors that there was something in the locker room. It was never like that. It was all just noise at the end. “It just wasn’t perfect for us playing together, and it didn’t work out. And that’s it. There’s no ill will, I don’t think from their side. For sure, [there is not] from my side. I don’t think there should be. It just didn’t work out, but I have nothing but love for Dallas and for my teammates and for everybody there.” -via ESPN / June 5, 2024
Jay King: Luka Doncic on Kristaps Porzingis: “I don’t really know why it didn’t work out. We were both young.” -via Twitter @ByJayKing / June 5, 2024
ClutchPoints: Mavs coach Jason Kidd on coaching Kristaps Porzingis when he played for Dallas: “When you talk about, ‘Did it work, did it not work,’ I only had him for a short period of time and I thought it was going well in the sense of our defense, his ability to block shots, rebound. And pic.twitter.com/0bpT8rtDcN -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / June 5, 2024