Mazz: Kristaps Porzingis’ defense was a revelation
If left open, especially, we knew he could shoot. But if Kristaps Porzingis’ defense continues to be anything like what it was last night, people forgot about Robert Williams yesterday.
So as the Celtics defeated the New York Knicks last night by a 108-104 score in the season opener for both teams, there was much to digest – some good, some bad, some expected, some surprising. Those who knew Porzingis’ game assured he was a rim protector. Those who didn’t saw him play defense and offense last night like no Celtics player since Kev … well, you know … which completely changes the perception for what he could mean to the team in this pass-fail, championship-or-bust `23-24 season.
For starters, Porzingis finished with four blocks, all which you can see by clicking here:
But those blocks?
They were quite literally just a fraction of the story.
All in all, according to stats compiled on NBA.com, the New York Knicks last night shot 6-for-25 against Porzingis, a paltry 24 percent. And if you look at this specific list, you’ll see that the Knicks shot 4-for-23 (17.4 percent) against the Celtics’ other newcomer, Jrue Holiday, who effectively replaced Marcus Smart in the starting lineup.
Add it all together and New York went 10-for-48 (or just 20.8 percent) against the two men, Porzingis and Holiday, who replaced what were believed to be the two best defenders, Williams and Smart, on the Celtics roster.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 25: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks takes a shot a Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics defends in the first half at Madison Square Garden on October 25, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
One other thing about the Porzingis blocks shown above: the Celtics got possession of the ball on all four. Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with a highlight block on which the ball ends up in the crowd. It can be a momentum changer and, if nothing else, psychologically impact the opposition. But when Porzingis is policing the rim like he did last night, the blocks (and missed shots) become more like true turnovers, which helps explain why the Celtics took 20 fewer shots than the Knicks last night – that’s right, 20 – and still won the game.
Defense, after all, is also about efficiency.
Stewart: NBA Power Rankings
1. DENVER NUGGETS
NBA Champions
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 53-29
Apr 11, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) lines up a shot over Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
2. BOSTON CELTICS
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 57-25
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the second quarter in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
3. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 58-24
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
4. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 43-39
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 28: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 28, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Lakers in overtime 125-121. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
5. PHOENIX SUNS
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 45-37
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 11: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game six of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
6. MIAMI HEAT
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 44-38
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 19: Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 19, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
7. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 44-38
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a picture during the Warriors’ media day on October 02, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
8. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 51-31
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers stands on the court during the fourth quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. New York defeated Cleveland 106-95 to win the series 4-1. 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 Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
9. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
2022-23 Regular Season Record: 51-31
Jan 18, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
11-30 The rest of the NBA
Dec 21, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter at the TD Garden. Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
11. Clippers
12. 76ers
13. Kings
14. Wolves
15. Mavs
16. Hawks
17. Pelicans
18. Pacers
19. Raptors
20. Thunder
21. Bulls
22. Magic
23. Nets
24. Rockets
25. Spurs
26. Jazz
27. Blazers
28. Pistons
29. Wizards
30. Hornets
