Kristaps Porzingis is elated to make his comeback for the Boston Celtics after a two-game absence. The Celtics’ starting lineup, featuring Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, was back in full force, securing a victory against the Indiana Pacers led by Tyrese Haliburton. Porzingis, having received clearance from the team’s medical staff, played a significant role in the game, with extended minutes provided by coach Joe Mazzulla.
Expressing his satisfaction with his return, Porzingis acknowledged that while his condition isn’t at 100 percent, he deemed a rolled ankle manageable to play through. He emphasized his eagerness to participate in every game, especially at home, and the frustration of watching from the sidelines in street clothes. Nevertheless, the towering forward was thrilled to be back on the court.
In his comeback performance, Porzingis demonstrated his impact by leading the team in rebounds with 12 boards and contributing 17 points and two assists during his 31 minutes of play. The Celtics, boasting a full lineup, secured their 37th win of the season, with several players stepping up to the plate.
The Celtics dominated early in the game, scoring 36 points in the first quarter compared to the Pacers’ 26. The momentum continued into the second quarter, where Jayson Tatum’s squad added 45 points to their tally, outpacing the Pacers’ 40. Despite their strong start, the Pacers, led by Haliburton, mounted a comeback after halftime, capitalizing on the Celtics’ weakest quarter and scoring 37 points in the third quarter.
The game’s closing minutes witnessed intense competition, with both teams showcasing exceptional defense and exchanging blows. Ultimately, the Celtics secured a five-point victory by outscoring the Pacers 23-21 in the final quarter.
Tatum played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ offense, scoring 30 points by making 12 of his 19 shots and leading the team with seven assists. Haliburton, on the Pacers’ side, showcased resilience with 13 points and 10 assists, while Aaron Nesmith contributed significantly with 26 points as their scoring asset. The Celtics, with Porzingis back in action, demonstrated their depth and capability as they eye a strong performance leading up to the All-Star break.
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