DENVER — The Celtics have seen flashes and glimpses of Kristaps Porzingis’ best. But naturally, he hasn’t been able to recapture those highs he showcased last season. Injuries have, again, been an issue as he hasn’t been able to find a consistent rhythm. It’s frustrating, he admits.
But all that work behind the scenes is the process needed to get back to top condition. And, finally, Porzingis showed bits of his best in the Celtics’ win Tuesday over the shorthanded Nuggets. The big man was a physical force, finishing with 25 points and 11 rebounds. He came up with key buckets throughout the night, including a 15-point first quarter.
“He was big-time tonight at both ends of the floor,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “For this season, for the way smalls are going on him, I thought it was the most physical that he was and I thought that was the most intentional we were about not only getting him the ball, but getting into the paint against smaller matchups. So we’ve just got to continue to work through those.”
The Celtics went to Porzingis early and often. C’s fans have grown accustomed to the 7-foot-2 big man posting up a smaller defender — that often leads to a bucket. They kept going back to that well Tuesday as the Nuggets were without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. His absence allowed Porzingis to feast on an undermanned team.
That physicality is also an important factor. Teams are going to do whatever they can to frustrate Porzingis even if a smaller defender is on him. So for Porzingis to play with that force Tuesday is another step toward seeing his best, when the talented big man can dominate on a nightly basis.
“I know this is what everybody expects from me, this is what I showed last season, and now I’m just working my way back up,” Porzingis said. “Honestly, tonight was in my opinion one of the first games that I felt like I’m getting close to feeling healthy, feeling good and getting back in good shape.”
Porzingis still isn’t all the way back — he said he’s operating at about 80-85% currently. There’s still plenty of time in the regular season, so Porzingis doesn’t need to be at his best for now. The goal is to peak in the playoffs for the reigning champs as they’re talented enough to get back to the mountaintop.
But it’s important for the Celtics to continue rebuilding that chemistry they had last season. There have been some struggles among the starters to open the season, but as Jayson Tatum pointed out, it’s like they’re still in training camp when it comes to reps together. So, after a 3-1 road trip, the Celtics return home as they hope to lean more on Porzingis going forward.
“The force that he played with tonight on both ends,” Tatum said. “That block on (DeAndre Jordan) and just the force he played with on the offensive end. Drawing fouls. Attacking the mismatches. Getting offensive rebounds. He had a couple put-back dunks I think. They really just help us separate the game and change the momentum. The way he played tonight was much-needed.”
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