Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis suddenly a big problem in Finals for a Mavericks team that cast him off
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said before the start of the Finals that he didn’t think Kristaps Porzingis received nearly as much praise for his ability as a shot blocker and someone who can alter opponents’ shots
By Kyle Hightower
Published - Jun 07, 2024, 03:01 PM ET
Last Updated - Jun 07, 2024, 03:01 PM EDT
BOSTON (AP) — The Mavericks couldn’t figure out how best to utilize big man Kristaps Porzingis during his three seasons in Dallas.
Three years later, the Mavericks now have a big Porzingis problem in the NBA Finals.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd said before the start of the series that he didn’t think Porzingis received nearly enough praise for his ability as a shot blocker and someone who can alter opponents’ shots.
The 7-footer did both in his rousing return to the court in Boston’s 107-89 Game 1 victory, while also providing a scoring punch — 20 points in 21 minutes of action — that jumpstarted the blowout.
