The Boston Celtics put on a show against the Golden State Warriors, but the real story unfolded after the buzzer. Former teammates Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis shared a moment that underscored the deep bonds formed during their time in Boston.
Porzingis, who left the Celtics in 2025 and had a stint with the Atlanta Hawks before landing with the Warriors, still holds a special place in Boston's heart. During the 2023-24 season, he was a key contributor, averaging 20 points per game and playing a pivotal role in the Celtics' championship run, where he averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in the Finals against the Mavericks.
Now donning a Warriors jersey, Porzingis faced off against his former team, and despite the Celtics' dominant 120-99 victory, the camaraderie was evident. Tatum expressed his feelings post-game, saying, “It was cool, man.
I miss the big fella. Happy to see him healthy, happy to see him out there playing.”
Porzingis’ recent injury struggles made his return to the court even more meaningful.
The Celtics organization honored Porzingis with a tribute video, a testament to his impact and the lasting connections he forged. “It was cool to see the reception that he got tonight and his tribute video… He’ll forever be a Celtic and remembered for those two years, and obviously being a big piece of why we won a championship,” Tatum reflected.
The bond of that championship team is unbreakable. Tatum added, “Every guy that was on that championship team, we’re bonded for life, so it’s always good to see KP.”
As the Celtics gear up for another postseason run, the core of that championship squad remains intact, promising more memories and potentially another banner in the rafters. The synergy and spirit that defined their past success could very well propel them to new heights once again.