Porzingis makes season debut in Celtics' blowout win over Clippers

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis made his first appearance of the season Monday in his team's 126-94 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 29-year-old started and played 23 minutes in the victory. He shot 6-of-12 from the floor but just 1-of-6 from deep, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal.

He scored his first bucket just a minute into the contest, utilizing a pick-and-pop with Jayson Tatum to open the scoring for Boston with his only trey on the night.

Porzingis had yet to suit up after undergoing offseason foot surgery.

"I felt great," Porzingis said of his debut, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "It was a long rehab, and I was itching to get back out there with this team after winning a championship. It was a good beginning, good first game back."

The 7-foot-2 Latvian sustained a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in Game 2 of last season's NBA Finals. He missed Games 3 and 4 before returning for the clincher.

Boston acquired Porzingis from the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal involving fan favorite Marcus Smart in June 2023. The Celtics subsequently inked Porzingis to a two-year, $60-million extension.

Porzingis had a strong debut campaign in Beantown, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 boards, two assists, and 1.9 blocks across 57 appearances.

The Celtics were without fellow centers Al Horford and Luke Kornet due to illness and hamstring tightness, respectively.