When Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis saw each on the TD Garden court Friday, there was clearly mutual respect from the former teammates. Doncic has developed into one of the best players in the league, leading the Mavericks after turning 25 just days ago. Porzingis is thriving with the Celtics, showcasing his unique talent on the best team in the league.
Doncic and Porzingis shared multiple seasons together in Dallas from 2019-22. The partnership didn’t quite work as Porzingis was dealt to Washington at the 2022 trade deadline. Porzingis also had injury woes as he has throughout his career, so the two talented players were never able to mesh fully.
Regardless, Doncic only had positive things to say about Porzingis after the Celtics’ blowout victory.
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“He was just popping and shooting that thing,” Doncic said. “He’s been a great addition to them. I talked to him for a little bit. He’s really happy that he’s here, so I’m happy for him, too.”
Doncic got what’s been a typical stat-line with a triple-double, finishing with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The Mavs did have it down to a two-point game in the third quarter, only for the Celtics to surge ahead to build up a huge lead. Jayson Tatum had a great night of his own, shaking a slow start, as he finished with 32 points and eight rebounds.
“He’s just a great guy,” Doncic said of Tatum. “We both have a lot of respect for each other, which is amazing. We were just out there, but that’s it.”
There’s plenty of respect from Doncic when it comes to the Celtics, calling them the best team in the league. The Mavs have been playing better ball of late, but they’re still 34-26 and eighth in the West. So they’ll look to bounce back after losing to a C’s team that won its 10th straight game.
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