You can just feel the buzz around Boston no matter where you are right now. The Celtics have won 13 of the last 15 games, and look primed to retain their championship. Any smart man would put their money on it. But is it any surprise their upward trend in form has coincided with the return of Kristaps Porzingis in the 5? The Celtics big man had fully recovered from the series of lower leg injuries that limited him early in the season. Being well versed on injury hardships, he let the media know exactly what forward Jaylen Brown’s injury means to the Greens.

KP himself had a stellar game, contributing 34 points and 8-of-13 three-pointers. But when the Suns’ Cody Martin gave him a straight elbow to the nose in their 123-103 win a couple nights ago, his UFC fandom peaked in his mind. Most fans were worried. But it’s nothing for a gladiator-like the Latvian. And he made sure to tell the world so.

“You already know how much I love playing in front of our crowd and having those interactions with the crowd. And that was just a perfect moment. All my teammates already know I’m a big UFC fan, and me getting hit just kind of fit that moment. And me walking off and feeding into the crowd was a fun moment,” said Porzingis. You gotta feel happy for him. The UFC fan got his UFC moment, regardless of it being on a basketball court. But that warrior mentality isn’t present in him alone. Jaylen Brown’s reaction to his knee injury had KP beaming with pride.

The All-Star wing is currently playing with a bone bruise on his knee and played a season-low 22 minutes for the second straight game. He didn’t even get to be a part of the 4th quarter and OT madness at the MSG last night. But the Celtics won over the Knicks 119-117 in OT, which doesn’t make the injury look as consequential as it seemed initially. “We just got what we needed to get out of him as he continues to push himself and test himself,” Mazzulla said. Well now, we know what Porzingis said too.

“He’s a tough dude. He always preaches his warrior mindset. And he lives by it. But to what extent we need that right now? Maybe he needs to take care of it and make sure he’s gonna be ready for the most important moments. So I think we just have to encourage him to make sure he does everything he needs to prepare, to get it healthy and to prepare for what’s gonna come,” said the Unicorn in their postgame press.

But the buzz is all a part of the regular season. Kristaps Porzingis and the rest of the lads know that the playoffs are what matters. And Jayson Tatum made sure to clear that out and not get succumbed into complacency by the success.

Jayson Tatum primed ahead of the playoffs

Kendrick Perkins already claimed the upcoming playoffs to be the most exciting in the last 5 years. Well, the knockouts don’t matter to anyone as much as the current ring holders. Yes, Boston might be the most successful team in NBA history. And yes, their recent form is something to celebrate for sure. But does that call for them to take their foot off the gas? When you’ve got everything to lose, you know that’s a no. And Jayson Tatum knows reality exactly how it is.

“Not at all. Playoffs is different animal. So whatever happens in regular season goes out the window when the playoffs start,” said JT. The Greens have locked in the East’s second seed after the Cavs swept the Bulls away 135-113 last night. This means they have either of three opponents lined up in the first round of the playoffs. So as the season comes to a close, Boston will know if they’ll face either the Magic, Hawks, Bulls, or the Heat. But this matters less to JT, as a fresh season brings in a fresh title challenge.

“Defend the title? No. Not defend it. Can’t nobody take away what we did last year. We’re the champs in 2024. This is a new season, new year. Trying to go win another championship.” Even as the defending champs, he knows the Green Mamba mentality needs to run deep if they aim to win back-to-back rings.

With Jaylen Brown struggling with a bone bruise, Kristaps Porzingis knows that some much-needed rest will bring the cookie and cream partnership back to its prime come playoffs for the Celtics. And Jayson Tatum’s message for the rest of the teams is clear- if you come for the kings, you better not miss. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic playoff season, so make sure to stay glued to your TVs.