Kristaps Porzingis is healthy and ready
The Celtics are healthy and ready to begin the season after a dominating performance over the New York Knicks, 123-110. Joe Mazzola has tinkered with come lineups this preseason and…
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first quarter of the Celtic’s preseason game against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on October 17, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Celtics are healthy and ready to begin the season after a dominating performance over the New York Knicks, 123-110. Joe Mazzola has tinkered with come lineups this preseason and started the game.
On Tuesday, the Green had a starting lineup of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis. Al Horford came off on the bench with a group of 6 playing over 23 minutes. Tatum led the way with 28 points, shooting 5-of-8 from deep. The green knocked down 16-of-29 3's in the first half, scoring 78 points. The team's display of unselfish basketball led to 16 assists in the first half. The Celtics finished the game shooting 44% 23-52 from long range.
Horford has only come off the bench 12 times in his NBA career. If he does on opening night, it will be his first time as a member of the Celtics. He made an impact on Tuesday night, scoring 5 quick points to go along with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Sam Houser and Peyton Pritchard each played 22 minutes, scoring 15 and 11 points. This should be the top 8 heading into the season.
The story of the preseason is Kristaps Porzingis. Through 3 preseason games, he is averaging 16.0PPG and 6 rebounds. He consistently hits open shots from anywhere. Porzingis finished the game with 20 PTS, 9 REB, and 8-of-13 from the field. 4-of-8 from 3. He's currently shooting 60% from the floor and beyond the arc. His defense is the story, playing well on the pick-n-roll and contesting shots. He finished with 2 blocks last night.
Kristaps Porzingis says he’s been getting so many open looks because of how much attention the Jays draw: “This was a good game for us to keep building that chemistry. ”The conversation surrounding Porzingis will always be about health. He played 30 minutes last night and should make the NBA All-Star team this year. Of course, if healthy. As far as the Celtics go, they are healthy going into the final preseason game, with the opener vs Miami next week.
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