The NBA hasn’t seen a repeat Champion since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Since then, every year we’ve crowned a new Champion. However, the Boston Celtics are making a legitimate case as the potential team to break the six-year spell.
Not only have they retained most of their roster, but they are still regarded as one of the best teams in the league, with a winning identity and playstyle. However, for one analyst, it is virtually a guarantee that Beantown repeats, provided the health of one player on their starting five, Kristaps Porzingis.
Kristaps Porzinigs Biggest X-Factor for Boston Celtics To Repeat
The Celtics have essentially been on cruise control for the majority of the season. After raising the Larry O’Brien last year, they retained almost the entirety of the roster, with most pieces still in their prime. The only concern for them was the health of Kristaps Porzingis.
An injury risk for much of his career, the Latvian has only been available for 37 games this season. However, in those games, Boston has a 25-12 record, as he puts up nearly 20 a night with seven rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
His efficiency, however, is what sets him apart, as a near 50-40-80 guy. His combination of shooting and defense unlocks a different layer to the Celtics attack, making them virtually unbeatable as seen throughout the playoffs last season.
And Brian Windhorst of ESPN, one of the most trusted names in the sport, believes, his health determines how far Boston goes. After their 10th road win of the year by over 20+ points against the Phoenix Suns, Windhorst was clearly impressed by a 30 and eight-game from Porzinigs.
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“30 points in this game. Look, if Porzingis 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.”
That “top of their game”, of course, is highly dependent on how the former New York Knick is playing. Windhorst added, “When Porzingis 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.”
Brian Windhorst on the Celtics:
“If [Kristaps Porzingis] is there we’re going to see another championship in Boston.”pic.twitter.com/3EQ4DfA90b
— 𝙟𝙗 (@lockedupjb) March 28, 2025
Citing last year’s postseason as an example, where he played in just seven games, he pointed to the impact Porzingis had just by being on the floor. “He didn’t stay healthy through last year’s playoffs. He was healthy enough.”
But last year’s Eastern Conference wasn’t as loaded as this year. Some of the teams, like the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and the Indiana Pacers, were making their first playoff appearance with their new cores.
Now, an added year of experience, alongside the dominant years some of those teams have had, has improved the quality of competition within the Conference. “This year will be a tougher run. But if he’s there, guys, we’re going to see another Championship in Boston.”
With a 54-19 record, the Celtics are just a few games shy of the 59-14 Cleveland Cavaliers. Moreover, they are one of the only teams to be in the top-five in both offensive (second) and defensive rating (fifth).
Even in a slightly relaxed setting, they’ve been one of the three best teams in the league by net rating. If they can get fully healthy come playoff team, then banner number 19 in the TD Garden might not be too far away.