Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis played for over two seasons with Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic so he’s quite familiar with what the Slovenian superstar can do on the floor. Doncic is coming off an inefficient offensive night in Game 1 against the Celtics, but Porzingis knows that the Mavericks’ do-it-all weapon will be a huge threat in Game 2.
Kristaps Porzingis issues Luka Doncic warning as Boston Celtics eye 2-0 series lead vs. Mavericks
“We expect a big response from him. He’s one of the best players and he’s going to bring it so we have to be ready” Porzingis said of Doncic, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Back in Game 1, Doncic led the Mavericks with 30 points but was only 12/26 from the floor. He pulled down 10 rebounds but only dished out an assist. Doncic never had a game with fewer than two dimes during the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Prior to the opening game of the Celtics series, Doncic’s worst game in terms of assists in the 2024 NBA Playoffs was when he dished out five dimes in three different contests (two against the Minnesota Timberwolves and one against the Oklahoma City Thunder).
Porzingis and the Celtics will look to limit Doncic again in Game 2, which should be a lot easier said than done, regardless of the success they had on that end in Game 1. As for Porzingis, he’s also eyeing to sustain his terrific form after scoring 20 points off the bench in the Celtics’ 107-89 victory in the series opener.
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