WATCH: Porzingis gets a rousing ovation in response to injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The TD Garden crowd gave a warm welcome to Kristaps Porzingis after an injury prior to Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Boston Celtics big man took the floor for the first time since Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals, playing with a leg injury that required offseason surgery. He was warmly welcomed by the fans when he took to the pitch during the warm-up and received a thunderous ovation during the player introductions.
Watch both moments below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DC0H07Ls9CB
Porzingis’ season debut came a month earlier than expected. The 29-year-old’s original recovery timeline had him returning around Christmas Day.
A healthy Porzingis, a key part of the 2024 NBA Championship roster, will provide a big boost to Boston’s frontcourt. Last season he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. In the playoffs, he averaged 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor.
Porzingis had a successful debut Monday, scoring 16 points on 6 of 12 shooting along with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in 22 minutes of Boston’s 126-94 win.
The Celtics had done just fine without Porzingis with a 14-3 record entering Monday night. With Porzingis at full strength, it will be difficult for any team to stop them in their quest for a repeat.
