Wednesday night at TD Garden was a special moment for Kristaps Porzingis as he returned to Boston, now wearing a Golden State Warriors jersey. The crowd erupted in applause when his name was announced, a testament to the impact he left during his time with the Celtics.
Porzingis, true to his earlier word, managed to hold back tears during his tribute video, but the emotion was palpable. The montage and the crowd's response clearly resonated with him.
Jayson Tatum, reflecting on the Celtics' 120-99 victory over the Warriors, expressed his joy in seeing Porzingis back on the court. "Happy to see him healthy and out there playing," Tatum shared.
"The reception and tribute video were cool. Those two years were special, and he was a big part of our championship run.
Once a Celtic, always a Celtic."
Porzingis also shared a lighthearted moment with Tatum, noting that Tatum looked sharp on the court, albeit with a friendly jab about needing to shed a few pounds to regain his full agility.
In a previous matchup in San Francisco, Porzingis had expressed surprise at the Celtics' strong performance this season, surpassing even his expectations. Despite some predictions of a lottery finish, Porzingis always believed in the team's culture and talent.
"Even if JT isn't there, JB, D. White, and Payton are elite players," he noted.
"Joe and the crew are top-notch."
Porzingis's tenure with the Celtics was marked by memorable performances and a strong connection with the fans. His ability to exploit mismatches and hit deep threes made him a fan favorite. His charismatic interactions with the crowd, including WWE-style entrances, only deepened that bond.
Unfortunately, injuries and illness marred his final postseason with the team, raising concerns about his health and career. Yet, as Tatum pointed out, Porzingis played a crucial role in securing the Celtics' 18th championship banner. The warm reception he received on Wednesday night was a fitting tribute to his contributions and the enduring connection he forged with the franchise and its fans.