The Boston Celtics maintained their dominance by winning their eighth consecutive game, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 121-111 on March 29. Jayson Tatum scored 29 points to lead the way, while Jrue Holiday added 21 points. Yet, despite their stellar performances, a former NBA champion has shifted the spotlight to another name.
Kristaps Porziņģis To Drive Celtics Toward Another Title
In a recent segment on ESPN, former Celtics champion Kendrick Perkins declared that Kristaps Porziņģis is the most important player on the Celtics right now — and if he stays healthy, he could be the key to securing back-to-back championships.
“Kristaps Porziņģis has really turned the page since arriving in Boston. We see the new juice. The Joe Mazzulla system, it fits him well. And Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum … yes, they are the best players on the team. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White — yes, they are the best defenders on the team.”
“But Kristaps Porziņģis, he is the most important player on the Boston Celtics. And if he is healthy, the Celtics are going to repeat,” said Perkins during his segment.
Porziņģis’ impact on the Celtics has been undeniable this season. The 7’3″ Latvian big man has been a matchup nightmare, averaging 19.4 points, seven rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 48.6% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. Despite missing 36 games this season due to injury and illness, his presence when on the court has been massive, thanks to his rim protection and scoring versatility.
The former All-Star joined Boston through a trade with the Washington Wizards in 2023. In last year’s NBA Finals, he played a significant role in the three games he appeared in, averaging 12.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Boston’s title hopes may rest on a collective effort, but as Perkins boldly predicts, it could very well be Porziņģis who ultimately tips the scales in their favor. And Perkins isn’t the only analyst backing the 29-year-old power forward.
Brian Windhorst Also Believes Porziņģis Is Key
The Boston Celtics are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 55-19 record. While many fans credit Tatum and Brown for the Celtics’ success, analysts argue Porziņģis is just as essential to their championship hopes.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently praised Porziņģis after he dropped 30 points in a dominant performance against the Phoenix Suns on March 26. He said that if Porziņģis stays healthy, he could be a game-changer for Boston’s title run.
“Thirty points in this game. Look, if Porziņģis is healthy, this is going to get elementary. Because the Celtics have proven that they are head and shoulders above everybody when they’re at the top of their game,” Windhorst said.
Still, Windhorst expressed concerns about Porziņģis’ durability. Porziņģis has struggled with injuries, appearing in just 38 games this season. Last year, he missed 25 regular-season games and appeared sparingly in the playoffs.
“When Porziņģis is at the top of his game, it’s like rocket fuel on this attack. But, it’s been a big ‘if.’ We don’t know whether he can stay healthy,” Windhorst added.
Eight games remain in the regular season for the Celtics as they prepare for the playoff grind. Boston will need to manage Porziņģis carefully down the stretch — because having him healthy could make all the difference in their quest for another title.