The Boston Celtics are leading the Orlando Magic 2-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs. However, Celtics big man Kristaps Porziņģis has notably struggled. This won’t change the outcome of the series, as barring something absurd happening, the Celtics will win, but for Boston to be at their best, Porziņģis must play better. Let’s dive into Porziņģis’ series so far.
Kristaps Porziņģis Must Step Up for the Celtics
Porziņģis’ Offense Has Been Lackluster
Heading into the playoffs, Porziņģis was a clear X-Factor for the Celtics. In the playoffs, Porziņģis is averaging just 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1 assist on 28.1/0/66.7 shooting splits. Three games into the series, Porziņģis has had two absolute stinkers and one fairly productive yet shaky game. Game 3’s loss was a tough night for KP as he notched seven points on 3-10 shooting, posting a team worst plus-minus of -16. In Game 1, he posted five points on 1-8 shooting. While Porziņģis recorded 20 points and heroically returned after a brutal head injury, he still shot 5-14 from the field in Game 2. The difference in this game was his ability to draw fouls as he shot 14 free throws; this style could be a blueprint for Porziņģis to get back on track.
Porziņģis provides tremendous value to the Celtics’ offense as a lob threat, a post presence who exposes mismatches, and a floor spacer. However, none of this value has been on display in the playoffs. Porziņģis is 0-10 from three, missing both open and difficult looks. He also isn’t taking advantage of mismatches; Porziņģis has shot 1-7 on shots against Cory Joseph, typically this is a matchup the 7-foot-2 big man could expose. Moreover, Porziņģis has uncharacteristically failed to catch and finish lobs.
Orlando’s length and strength have undoubtedly bothered Porziņģis; however, shooting 28.1 percent from the field is worrisome. Porziņģis’ shots will eventually start falling, but some of these struggles seem inexplicable. After Game 3’s loss, Porziņģis didn’t shy away from discussing his poor play.
Kristaps Porzingis was bummed at his performance:
“It stings, man. I have to take accountability. I played like shit.”
(Q: @SouichiTerada) pic.twitter.com/c4siClOcTb
— Noa Dalzell
(@NoaDalzell) April 26, 2025
Porziņģis is a fierce competitor and, of course, hates to struggle like this. His accountability and mindset are commendable. Hopefully, these traits will help Porziņģis break out of his slump.
Porziņģis’ Defense Has Been a Mixed Bag
Throughout the season, Porziņģis has been one of the league’s best defenders, especially as a rim protector. In the regular season, Porziņģis posted a defensive field goal percentage of 42 and 47.7 at the rim. Conversely, in the playoffs, he is posting a 60 DFG% and 68.4 at the rim. With Porziņģis on the court, Boston has a 105 defensive rating; with him off the court, they have a 98.9 defensive rating. A 6.1 defensive swing is concerning.
Regardless, Porziņģis has still provided some defensive value to the Celtics. Specifically, he is forcing plenty of turnovers, averaging a block and 2.3 steals. Porziņģis has also held Paolo Banchero to 22.2 percent shooting, being able to contain Orlando’s best player is certainly a bright spot for KP. While Porziņģis’ defense hasn’t been at an elite level, there have been positive signs that he can build on moving forward.
The Last Word
With or without Porziņģis at an elite level, the Celtics will be able to beat the Magic. However, if he continues to struggle, it will make it a tougher series. Additionally, in the following rounds, Porziņģis will be important to the Celtics, and they will need his two-way impact against more talented teams. Despite Porziņģis’ struggles, so far, there’s a blueprint for him to get back on track. It will start with his defense, and his rim protection numbers coming back to the norm. Similarly, the mental mistakes on lob plays and the inability to punish mismatches are unlikely to continue. The threes will have to start falling as well. Ultimately, Porziņģis’ struggles have been notable and unfortunate for the Celtics, however, they are unlikely to continue for much longer.
Photo credit: © Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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