DALLAS — For one reason or another — usually injuries — Kristaps Porzingis hadn’t gotten a chance to play in Dallas against his old team since being traded away. But that all changed Saturday as the Celtics beat the Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Porzingis got the start as he experienced the emotions from playing against a former team. There wasn’t much vitriol or hate directed his way as it’s been three seasons since the Mavs unceremoniously traded him to the Wizards. While he admitted it felt “weird,” it sounded like an overall positive experience.
“It was good,” Porzingis said. “Always a nice atmosphere here. I have some good memories from here and I have not good (but) great relationships here with many people. I miss a lot of those nice people, so it’s always good to come back.”
Porzingis finished Saturday’s win with 18 points, four rebounds and five assists in his 28 minutes on the court. He would’ve played a few more ticks but foul trouble kept him on the bench for stretches. Fortunately, the C’s got heavy production from all five of their starters as each of them scored at least 17 points.
Porzingis played for the Mavericks from 2019-22 before getting traded at the 2022 trade deadline to the Wizards. The talented big man was supposed to slot right in with Mavs star Luka Doncic, but the chemistry and cohesion never clicked. Eventually, Dallas elected to move on from the experiment. Porzingis’ relationship with Doncic was highlighted during the Finals, though neither star had much to say about the past.
The Porzingis-Mavericks connection was then in the spotlight during the 2024 NBA Finals. Porzingis looked primed to make a consistent impact on the series, though a rare foot injury forced him to sit Games 3 and 4 in Dallas. He returned for the clinching Game 5 as earned the Larry O’Brien trophy against his former team.
The Celtics beat the shorthanded Mavericks on Saturday, though Dallas didn’t have Doncic and other key contributors. The teams meet again in less than two weeks on Feb. 6, this time in Boston. By then, the Mavs will look to get healthier as they’re looking to find that same magic from their Finals run.
“(They) haven’t had the best luck this year, especially Luka being out for such a long time,” Porzingis said. “And it’s tough without him. It’s completely different without him obviously. I wish them good health and I wish them to have their roster at full strength and I wish them continued success from last season.”
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