The Golden State Warriors are in the midst of a difficult six-game road trip. Their latest setback came Wednesday night against the Boston Celtics, who secured a 120-99 victory at TD Garden.
While the result added to Golden State’s struggles, the night carried a special and emotional moment for Kristaps Porziņģis, who made his return to Boston.
Kristaps Porziņģis’ Emotional Night at TD Garden
After the first quarter, Porziņģis was honored with a tribute video by the Celtics. It was his first time back at TD Garden since being traded, and the moment clearly resonated with him.
Kristaps Porzingis standing ovation after his Celtics tribute video pic.twitter.com/6C9Kt5Q4it
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 18, 2026
Porziņģis joined the Celtics in 2023 as part of a three-team trade involving the Washington Wizards. During his time in Boston, he played a key role, particularly on defense, and his presence in the paint was a major factor in the Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship run.
In 2025, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where injuries limited him to 17 games in the 2025-26 season. On Feb. 5, he was traded again, this time to the Warriors. Since arriving in Golden State, Porziņģis has struggled with illness and has appeared in only six games.
In those six games, the big man averaged 16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, playing 21.8 minutes per contest. His scoring average with the Warriors so far is his lowest since his rookie season in 2015-16, when he averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
The Warriors faced multiple challenges on Wednesday. They trailed by 13 points at the end of the first quarter and remained behind by the same margin at halftime.
Kristaps Porzingis’ first game back in Boston.
Back-to-back blocks right away.pic.twitter.com/TO0hTE0JOT
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) March 18, 2026
In the second half, the Celtics took full control, scoring 57 points and dominating on both ends of the floor. Golden State could not keep pace and ultimately fell in a lopsided defeat, with Jaylen Brown scoring 32 and Jayson Tatum tallying 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The absence of key players has compounded the Warriors’ struggles. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III were both sidelined with injuries, leaving the roster shorthanded.
Porziņģis contributed 11 points in limited minutes. Gary Payton II led Golden State with 14 points, but the effort was not enough.
The Warriors now continue their six-game road trip. Up next are the Detroit Pistons on Friday, the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday before they return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
