Celtics Coach Highlights Key Attribute Kristaps Porzingis Brings to Team
BOSTON — As the Celtics gear up for the NBA Finals against the Mavericks, they are poised to be at full strength with Kristaps Porzingis returning from injury. Porzingis acknowledged the difficulty of watching his team reach the Finals without him, but his presence on the court is expected to be significant.
Despite Porzingis missing the past month and parts of the regular season, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized one of Porzingis’ standout qualities. Mazzulla highlighted the valuable experience and balance Porzingis brings to the locker room. “One of the best things he’s brought to our team this year is his ability to stay balanced,” Mazzulla said. “He’s one of the more seasoned players. He’s been through so much. He’s played in New York, Dallas, Washington, and now here. So he’s seen the NBA from every angle, and he stays even-keeled.”
Porzingis is no stranger to the pressures of the NBA, having started his career in New York. After a challenging stint in Dallas, he was largely written off despite his talent. Over the past few seasons in Washington and Boston, Porzingis has worked hard to rebuild his reputation. Now, with the Celtics, he’s just four wins away from a championship ring, fulfilling his hopes when he agreed to the trade.
The Celtics are confident about integrating Porzingis back into the lineup. His sporadic absences during the regular season due to injuries gave the team ample practice. Now, they anticipate having Porzingis at full strength as they aim for their 18th championship banner.
“He’s working on it,” Mazzulla said. “He’s done a great job getting to this point. He’s participating in practices, and we’re monitoring his physical response daily. He’s on track, doing everything he can to get back. We’ll see how he feels each day as we approach the game.”
