10 takeaways from Kristaps Porziņģis’ comeback vs. the Clippers

Kristaps Porziņģis’ return brought much-needed rim protection, creative offensive play calls, and a glimpse of the Celtics’ potential on both ends of the floor.

#1 – Brad Stevens isn’t satisfied with the Celtics’ defensive level yet

In the second quarter, Brad Stevens shared some of his basketball insights during the NBC Sports Boston broadcast. While the game unfolded, Stevens’ running commentary on the Celtics’ defense was particularly telling.

Each time the Clippers scored at the rim, Stevens would mutter, “Hmm, another layup.” When Joe Mazzulla called a timeout after an open three, Stevens immediately approved, noting the defense wasn’t as sharp as it needed to be. After a layup by Ivica Zubac, Stevens commented again, prompting Brian Scalabrine to ask if he’d be saying the same if he were on the bench.

Stevens admitted the team isn’t at the defensive level he envisions, highlighting rim protection as a primary concern. He praised the offense for generating quality looks but reiterated that defensive consistency, particularly at the rim, remains the focus.

As they discussed the NBA’s evolving cutting habits, Jrue Holiday executed a timely cut, creating an open corner three for Jaylen Brown—a perfect example of how offensive tactics can evolve.

Hearing Stevens analyze the game in real-time is always a treat.

#2 – Kristaps Porziņģis restores some rim protection

As Stevens noted, the Celtics’ rim protection has been a weak point this season. They’ve fallen from 5th in the league last year to 24th, allowing opponents to shoot 69% at the rim before last night.

Against the Clippers, that figure dropped to 60%. While it’s only one game—and the Clippers’ offense isn’t elite, especially without Norman Powell—it showcased Porziņģis’ impact.

Drop coverage has been an Achilles’ heel for the Celtics, but Porziņģis’ return adds versatility to their pick-and-roll defense, allowing them to mix coverages and disrupt opponents more effectively.

Porziņģis’ length and agility brought the rim protection the Celtics have sorely needed. If this trend continues, Brad Stevens might finally see the defensive progress he’s been looking for.

#3 – The cuts are back

Last season, Porziņģis’ passing ability from the three-point line and the post unlocked key offensive options for the Celtics. Without him, the team has struggled to pressure the rim effectively, ranking 28th in rim frequency with just 25% of their shots coming in the paint.

Last night, the Celtics increased their volume at the rim while maintaining efficiency. Porziņģis’ return improved spacing, which helped generate opportunities like this baseline cut from Jaylen Brown, leading to free throws:

Sam Hauser and Porziņģis’ gravity, combined with Brown’s quick off-ball movement, put significant pressure on the Clippers’ defense.

#4 – Diverse play calls to create threes

The Celtics once again excelled from beyond the arc, thanks to Joe Mazzulla’s creative play calls. The return of Porziņģis’ pick-and-pop action was a highlight, exploiting the Clippers’ drop coverage:

A classic pindown action for Sam Hauser showcased his impressive footwork and execution. Note how quick Queta set the screen as soon as the ball move towards Jayson Tatum:

In another sequence, Hauser set a flare screen for Derrick White before sprinting into a handoff with Neemias Queta, creating an open three:

Finally, a sideline out-of-bounds play showed the Celtics’ playbook diversity. Porziņģis set a screen, dragging defenders into the paint, while Jaylen Brown cut to the post. The ball movement ended with a Porziņģis assist to White for an open three:

The beauty of these plays lies in their precision, movement, and decision-making—not just shooting volume.

#5 – Craig Luschenat’s play call energized the bench

Speaking of play calls, the Celtics bench erupted in excitement after a well-designed play last night.

Apparently, the play was drawn up by Craig Luschenat, the former Director of Player Development and now an Assistant Coach. Players like Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet’s enthusiastic reactions reflect the respect and appreciation Luschenat commands among the team.

This moment underscores the synergy between the coaching staff and players.

#6 – Porziņģis adds a new post-up dimension

Porziņģis’ versatility was on full display. In the first half, he thrived in pick-and-pop and spot-up situations, but the second half saw him dominate in the post.

Using mismatches, Porziņģis drew free throws and finished over smaller defenders, demonstrating why he was one of the league’s most efficient post-up players last season.

His ability to collapse defenses opens up the floor for the Celtics’ shooters.

#7 – Jayson Tatum’s magic assist

Speaking of post-ups, Jayson Tatum delivered a highlight-worthy assist. With Derrick Jones Jr. closing in, Tatum found an open Payton Pritchard with a no-look pass—pure MVP-caliber creativity.

#8 – Neemias Queta’s bounce-back game

After a DNP against the Timberwolves, Queta was given some minutes behind Porzingis, and he delivered. As the Clippers had non-shooters on the court, Queta can be used as a roamer and remain close to the rim, and he is pretty good at it.

Queta also displayed improved defensive awareness, containing drives and disrupting lob attempts following a pindown action:

While it’s a small sample, Queta’s development could be crucial in games where Al Horford rests.

#9 – Jordan Walsh’s defensive potential

While we are at the moment of the game we are looking at the bench, let’s talk about Jordan Walsh’s impressive defense. It’s pretty rare to be quick and long enough to be able to block a step-back jumper.

Even against a confirmed NBA player like Terance Mann, Jordan is able to stay connected, contain the drive and explode vertically to block the lay-up.

However, Walsh’s offensive game still lags behind. While he shows flashes of driving potential, his rigid handle and lack of polish make it difficult for him to crack the rotation.

#10 – Cookies & Cream are back

Finally, we got the Jaylen Brown–Kristaps Porziņģis connection we’ve been waiting for, capped by a beautiful alley-oop.