Winning a championship last season has affected the Celtics’ killer instinct, center Kristaps Porzingis admits. Porzingis made his comments after Boston’s win over Dallas on Saturday.
“We were a lion last season, and some games this year we’ve looked like a house cat,” Porzingis said, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “We want to have that spirit as a team this year, and it’s tough. Obviously we can’t trick ourselves and make it [like] it’s playoffs every game. It’s tough, just human nature. But we know the group that we have and we know that we’re going to bring it to the big games, but we need to bring it consistently and keep building on top of good wins like (Saturday).”
Boston has gone 11-9 over its last 20 games.
“We’re definitely working towards getting our killer instinct back,” Porzingis said. “We want to have that. Some moments we’ve looked really good, some moments not so good. Some moments we’ve cruised a little bit.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Kyrie Irving had a tumultuous stint in Boston before departing in free agency in 2019 but he has nothing but praise for the current version of the Celtics, according to Brian Robb of Masslive.com. “Everyone kind of criticizes them based on what their season is this year, but if you look at their first 42 games, it’s pretty similar compared to last year,” the Mavericks guard said. “Maybe two years off. This is a well coached basketball team.”
- Josh Hart was considered a game-time decision on Saturday due to knee soreness. The Knicks forward wound up posting his sixth triple-double this season with 20 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists as New York blew out the Kings. Hart never had a triple-double before he joined the Knicks in 2022, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post notes. “I think that’s a lot of credit to Thomas Thibodeau,” Hart said. “And him putting me in a position to be successful. I think it’s always a good combination when you have a coach and player who match each other’s craziness. So I gotta give him all the credit for the success I’m having since I’ve been here.”
- Paul George has dealt with numerous injuries in his first season with the Sixers, the latest being a finger ailment suffered on Saturday. “You feel bad for him,” guard Tyrese Maxey told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, “especially because now you think he’s finding his rhythm, kind of finding his niche where he fits in with the offense.”
Celtics are a different team with KP.
You will need depth to beat Celtics
“Play the right Way” Larry Brown would have loved Josh Hart.
Truth is. Josh is a better player today. Than when he first got here. That’s real talent.
The Celtics will lose to themselves this year. You can see the rift on that team from a kilometer away.
You’re the only one who can see it,
Celtics might lose but it won’t be because of drama.
Ok whatever you say
It’s whatever everyone but you says.
What rift?
I like this three team trade proposal from Matt Levine:
Celtics recieve: Jakob Poelti and Luke Kennard
Grizzlies receive: Jrue Holiday
Raptors receive: Marcus Smart
The Celtics get a proven Center, a proven 3 point shooter, and salary relief in the Holiday trade.
Win win?
No way in hell
Who says no?
Boston aren’t blowing it up yet. Had a way tougher schedule than the cavs or Knicks. Hauser is more likely to be moved, wont be this season though. Be vets available for the minimum 25/26 who can do what Sam does.
Who are the Raptors winning by getting Marcus Smart? The worst dpoy in recent years that cant even play for his current team because of injuries.
The Raptors get picks
Raps won’t do that.
Since Josh Hart recorded his first triple-double with the Knicks, only three players in the league have more triple-doubles: Jokic, Sabonis, and Doncic. That’s pretty elite company for Hart to find himself in.
Three white guys?? I don’t believe it.
You making that up …..
I’m pretty sure Hart doesn’t have more than Giddey or Westbrook but anyway
PG’s biggest setback is being too podcast focused. Dude is halfway into his post-playing career career.