Working his way back into what he deemed “good shape” might’ve remained a work in progress during the most productive game of his 2024-25 season to date. Yet even so, it’s unlikely that the Boston Celtics had any nitpicks about Kristaps Porzingis’ ability to get square with defenders and protect the cylinder above on January 7, 2025. Four days into his return to night-by-night action, Boston’s gifted Latvian does his initial job to a tee, helping Boston’s top-ranked defense stonewall Jamal Murray’s path to an easy fastbreak finish. Instinctual in rotating after the basketball swings to DeAndre Jordan, Porzingis meets one of history’s great rim-runners at the apex of his elevation, leaving the Mile High center empty-handed after a forceful swat. In a head-to-head between the NBA’s last two champions, Porzingis’ contributions proved much-needed, as he recorded 25 points (on 9-of-18 shooting), 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and a 3-pointer, with Boston collecting 18 “stocks” as a team. · Jan 8, 2025