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Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors lost to the Boston Celtics 120-99 at TD Garden on Wednesday night. Kristaps Porzingis returned to the building where he won a championship in 2024. He finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks against his former team.
Porzingis received a standing ovation and tribute video from the Celtics. The building made sure to acknowledge what he meant to the franchise during his two seasons in green. KP’s performance itself was quiet compared to Monday’s 30-point explosion against the Washington Wizards.
After the game, Porzingis opened up about where he stands physically.
Porzingis Addresses His Recovery Timeline
Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis was asked by Bobby Manning about his health after Wednesday’s game, and his response revealed both how far he has come and how far he still has to go.
“I still got a good ways to go honestly,” Porzingis said. “Today I felt my engine was a bit in overdrive, you know just coming back here but…I didn’t feel my best today. Last game I would say I felt better. But I expect with each game to get closer and closer…so I would say I still got a good ways to go, 60 percent maybe.”
The 60 percent figure refers to where Porzingis believes he is compared to where he was with Boston last year before the illness struck, per Bobby Manning.
The acknowledgment was measured but honest. Porzingis is getting better. He expects to continue improving with each game. But he is not where he wants to be yet. Sixty percent leaves room for significant growth.
The Health Journey That Got Him to the Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis contracted a viral illness last winter while playing for the Celtics. The illness contributed to the derailment of Boston’s playoff run last season. It lingered well into this year, across his time with the Atlanta Hawks and now the Warriors.
Porzingis addressed what the past year has been like during shootaround Wednesday morning.
“Obviously, this season has been pretty s–,” he said. “But now I’m healthy and I’m actually feeling good. I’m getting a good feeling about basketball again, which is the most important…I’m just enjoying playing again.”
The comment reflected someone who has been through something difficult and is finally seeing light on the other side. Porzingis is playing basketball again. He is enjoying it again. That was not guaranteed a few months ago.
GettyKristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Nick Richards #13 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Chase Center on March 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Boston Connection Remains
Jaylen Brown spoke about Kristaps Porzingis after Wednesday’s game, and his words captured what winning a championship together creates.
“When you go through a journey like we did, winning a championship, it becomes like a brotherhood,” Brown said. “No matter where we go in life, KP will always have a friend in me.”
The comment reflected genuine affection. Porzingis helped Boston win a title in 2024. He delivered memorable moments in the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. The bond created during that run does not disappear just because he plays for a different team now.
Wednesday’s return to TD Garden meant something for Porzingis. The standing ovation. The tribute video. The recognition from a fanbase that appreciated what he brought during his two seasons with the franchise.
The Warriors will hope it ignites something in him. Porzingis is focused on getting to 100 percent. He looks happier. He believes it is coming. His rhythm is returning.
Final Word for the Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis is at 60 percent of where he was with Boston last year before the illness struck.
That assessment is honest. It reflects someone who understands his body and knows he has work left to do. But it also reflects progress.
Porzingis never considered giving up. He fought through the worst season of his career. Now he is on the other side, building back toward the player he knows he can be.
Sixty percent today. One hundred percent soon.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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