Kristaps Porzingis didn’t just make his return Thursday night – he did so with some serious thunder, pizzazz, and showmanship.
Porzingis, playing in his first game in 38 days due to a soleus strain, erupted for 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the Celtics’ 107-89 Game 1 triumph over the Mavericks.
He hit 8 of 13 shots, 2 of 4 3-pointers, and both free throws, electrifying the crowd in the first quarter and finishing plus-13 on the night.
It was easy to see how much joy the experience brought the Celtics big man, both during and after the game.