BOSTON — Kristaps Porzingis is back.
After missing the entirety of the semifinals and Eastern Conference Finals with a calf strain, Porzingis returned to the court in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Boston's big man didn't waste much time making his presence felt.
Because of the long layoff, Porzingis was not present in the starting lineup, but that didn't stop him from having his usual impact and then some.
Here's a look at what Porzingis got done in his first NBA action in over a month.
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Kristaps Porzingis stats vs. Mavericks
- 21 minutes
- 20 points
- 6 rebounds
- 3 blocks
- 8-of-13 (61.5 percent) field goal shooting
- 2-of-4 (50.0 percent) 3-point shooting
- 2-of-2 (100.0 percent) free throw shooting
In just 21 minutes of action, Porzingis scored 20 points, pulled down six rebounds and blocked three shots. He scored 18 of his 20 points in the first half, giving Boston a massive shot of momentum early on.
MORE: Why Celtics need a healthy Kristaps Porzingis to beat Mavericks
Kristaps Porzingis highlights vs. Mavericks
Porzingis' play was impactful on the stat sheet and the TD Garden atmosphere. As fans hung onto his every move, he delivered highlight after highlight on both ends of the floor.
He got on the board with a pair of free throws and followed it by a mid-range jumper and a driving dunk that should ease concerns about that troublesome calf.
ZINGER 🔨 pic.twitter.com/B62KLxKHkh
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 7, 2024
From blocks to face-up jumpers to 3-pointers, it's been an all-around performance from Porzingis.
WHAT. A. SEQUENCE. 😱
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2024
Porzingis deep 3.
Porzingis block.
Hauser 3.
Porzingis block.
Boston leads in Game 1 on ABC! pic.twitter.com/4KdBGriOSd
KP triple for 18 in the 1st half of Game 1 on ABC 👀🎯 pic.twitter.com/6pJQxk4Dns
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2024
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