Kristaps Porziņģis Reflects on Dallas Return, Mavericks' Outlook, Acknowledges Celtics’ Need for 'Killer Instinct'
Kristaps Porziņģis played at the American Airlines Center on Saturday as a former Mavericks player for the first time and as an instrumental part of the Boston Celtics’ 122-107 victory over Dallas. He was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2022, and his Celtics squad defeated the Mavs in the NBA Finals, but he could not play in those previous games due to injury.
“This is the first time, it’s weird,” Porziņģis said about his first game back in Dallas. “It was good. It’s always a nice atmosphere here, good memories from here. I have, not good, great relationships here with many people. I miss a lot of these nice people. It’s always good to come back.”
Porziņģis, who tallied 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two blocks, was part of a Celtics squad that has struggled with consistency. While the win improved the Celtics to 32-14, Porziņģis wasn’t shy about offering a frank assessment of his team’s performance this season.
“We’re definitely working toward getting our killer instinct back,” Porziņģis said. “Some moments we’ve looked very good, some moments not so good, some moments we’ve cruised a little bit. It’s been a mix of everything.”
Kristaps Porziņģis Challenges Boston Celtics
But Porziņģis, averaging 18.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season, didn’t stop there. He offered a critical, albeit candid, analysis of the Celtics’ struggles by comparing their championship mindset to their current form.
“We were definitely a lion last season. And some games this year, we’ve looked like a house cat,” Porziņģis added.
While Porziņģis acknowledged the Celtics’ talent, including the formidable duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, he emphasized that they had to rediscover their aggressive mentality. The team had been inconsistent throughout the season, with an 11-9 record over their last 20 games heading into Saturday’s win.
“Some moments we’ve looked very good, some moments not so good,” Porziņģis said. “Some moments we’ve cruised a little bit. It’s been a mix of everything.”
His comments reflect a growing concern that the Celtics may have been coasting at times this season, unsure of how to replicate the fierce edge they showed on their path to last season’s championship. The question now is whether the Celtics can find that hunger again.
“We can’t trick ourselves and make it like the playoffs every game,” Porziņģis said. “It’s human nature. But we know the group we have, and we know we’re going to bring it to the big games. But we need to bring it consistently and keep building on good wins like tonight.”
Despite the criticisms, Porziņģis has been a key contributor for the Celtics, helping spread the floor and contributing as a versatile big man. However, his scoring this season has been slightly down from previous years. Yet, in Saturday’s win, he played an essential role in keeping the offense flowing smoothly, hitting three of five from beyond the arc.
“He poses a threat for our fives (centers) and being able to bring them out on the perimeter, make them guard the perimeter, and have the rotations,” Kyrie Irving said of Porzingis. “It kind of hurt last year (in the playoffs). They’re trying to get the matchup they want, make us get in rotations, and get open threes.
Kristaps Porziņģis Wishes Dallas Mavericks Well
Porziņģis also acknowledged the Mavericks’ struggles in the absence of Luka Dončić, who has been sidelined due to a calf strain. Porziņģis, who spent several seasons in Dallas, expressed sympathy for the Mavericks’ situation.
“Honestly, they haven’t had the best luck this year, especially Luka being out such a long time,” Porziņģis said. “It’s tough without him. It’s completely different without him, obviously. I wish them good health and to have their roster at full strength and wish them continued success from last season.”
Despite Porziņģis’ concerns about his team’s mentality, the Celtics still have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. However, their road to another championship will depend on how quickly they can regain their sharp focus and killer instinct.
Looking ahead, Porziņģis stressed the importance of continued effort and accountability from everyone on the team.
“We need to bring it consistently and keep building on good wins like tonight,” Porziņģis said. The Celtics know they have what it takes to contend, but they must find their fire and bring it every night if they want to secure another title.”
The challenge remains clear as the Celtics aim to sharpen their edge for the playoffs. If they can maintain the mentality that made them champions in the first place, they could wind up winning it all again.
