Trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis was brought in by the Celtics to bolster their defense against players like Miami’s Bam Adebayo, but in Game 2 of the playoffs, it was Porzingis’ defensive lapses that proved costly.
The Heat set a franchise record with 23 three-pointers, many of which came with Porzingis seemingly lost on defense. The Celtics big man often found himself out of position, allowing Miami shooters to get open looks.
Porzingis’ defensive struggles weren’t limited to off-ball situations. He also had difficulty containing Adebayo in the pick-and-roll, allowing the Heat center to score 20 points on just 13 shots.
Offensively, Porzingis was equally ineffective, shooting 1-of-9 from the field and failing to make a three-pointer. The Celtics were outscored by 32 points during Porzingis’ 30 minutes on the court, a significant factor in their 10-point loss.
Porzingis’ performance in Game 2 is a reminder of the volatility he can bring to the Celtics. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in the playoffs before, he has also been prone to poor performances. This volatility could prove dangerous for a Celtics team that won 64 games during the regular season but is now facing a tough challenge from the Heat.
