A player with an affinity for injuries who was on a 38-day hiatus thanks to a calf strain, stole the spotlight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Yup, we are indeed talking about the star of the night, Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics took the lead with a win at TD Garden, a 107-89 victory over the Mavericks. With much consternation surrounding the Cs’ big man, a spot of good news was received ahead of the tip-off. Porzingis would take the floor.

However, for just the second time in his career, the Latvian center would be coming off the bench. The last time it happened was in his second season with the Knicks. Checking in with 7 minutes left in the first quarter, Kristaps set the tone for the matchup. Playing against his former team, the 28-year-old was spectacular.

The first quarter saw him score 11 of his 20 points, helping his team to a 37-20 lead—the largest lead ever in a first-quarter Game 1 of the NBA Finals! So, would it be fair to assume that Porzingis is completely healthy? Let’s hear it from the man himself. “Kristaps Porziņģis on whether he is 100%: Tonight was an affirmation to myself that I’m good. Maybe I’m not perfect, but I’m pretty good.” The Atheltic’s Jared Weiss tweeted.

Well, watching ‘Unicorn’ tonight, there is no doubt that Boston fans would take pretty good over perfect any day. Explaining further, the 1x All-Star said, “It’s a bit of a relief. Back on the court healthy, back with my guys. It was tough to sit out… It feels good to be back and to get a win in the NBA Finals.” Yet, he did have a ‘But’ in there.

“Still getting there”: Kristaps Porzingis shares a word of caution

Aside from his 20 points, the 7-foot defensive stalwart added six rebounds and three blocks on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. Prior to the matchup, Coach Mazzulla said that he wanted to see “defense, offense, communication, playing hard” from KP6. And his resident Latvian delivered. But this is Porzingis we are talking about. Hence, there was bound to be a clause. And Spotrac’s Keith Smith shared what it was, noting, “Kristaps Porzingis said he’s still getting there with his conditioning, and that the medical staff is being cautious with him. Porzingis also said “But I feel good. Felt good to be out there.”

There is no doubt that it is hard to watch from the sidelines when your team is on the most important journey of their careers. Since the start of the season, the Celtics have played with just one goal—a title. The results, too, proved their determination and grit. And an important part of the winning Boston team was Kristaps Porzingis. Under such circumstances, being off the court, and that too, due to a non-contact injury, must have been tough.

To finally get back up and running would have been a highly motivational factor in tonight’s performance, as well. Porzingis said that the unreal ovation he received from his home crowd had his “adrenaline pumping and that definitely helped.” While this is just one win in a seven-game series of the NBA Finals, it is a victory, nonetheless. However, Boston is mindful not to get comfortable, keeping in mind what happened in 2022 vs the Warriors. “We can’t be celebrating ourselves. Dallas is probably getting ready for the next game right now,” Jaylen Brown said post-game.

Do you agree with Brown’s take? Share your thoughts in the comments.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

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