Kristaps Porzingis gave a huge performance to see the Boston Celtics past the Phoenix Suns.
When Kristaps Porzingis plays like he opposed the Phoenix Suns, there is no team in the NBA to compare to the Boston Celtics.
Teammate Jaylen Brown described Kristaps Porzingis as “key” to postseason success after the Latvian scored 30 points against the Suns.
He also added that one of the Celtics’ strengths is the team’s unification and depth, and Porzingis praised another teammate using a post-game interview.
Kristaps Porzingis spoke after the game to talk about veteran Al Horford, who continues to play a vital defensive role for the Celtics at the age of 39.
Horford played 26 minutes with the Suns, scoring 16 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and providing five assists.
Quoted through Noah Dalzel, Porzingis heartily praised his veteran teammate, saying, “An unrealistic guy. Unbelievably, honestly, to be one of the best defenders on our team at his age.
“The experience he has and the way he can still slip his legs to hold his position, get all the little tricks and switch to anyone and sit and guard them is something really special.”
Porzingis also had time to stop Horford’s longevity a little, adding:
Al Horford has played more than a few minutes per game for the Boston Celtics from 2024-25 than last season.
Horford averages 27.5 minutes per game compared to 26.8 minutes last season.
The veteran’s impact is that his size, know-how and leadership are extremely important and he has not given him enough attention. Horford also offers words of encouragement to Porzingis.
Earlier in the season, Horford urged his teammates to be more consistent on the defensive side and to put more force on the team at both ends of the court.
Porzingis recently missed time with a mysterious illness, but since his return he has looked unstoppable.