Kristaps Porzingis (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Kristaps Porzingis’ return to fitness handed the Celtics a massive boost before the NBA Finals. In the first 2 games of the series, he proved why he is a pivotal cog in the Cs machine by putting up masterclass performances on the defensive side of the court. Porzingis’ presence might not be enough to stop Luka Doncic, but the rest of the Mavs, including Kyrie Irving, wasn’t a problem. But NBA legend Tim Hardaway believes the Boston outfit is a better side when Porzingis is not in the team.

Recently on “The Carton Show”, the former Heat PG pointed out that the Celtics pass the ball better, move up and down the court faster, and look sturdier on both ends of the court when Porzingis is not in the line-up.

While the comment might upset a lot of Celtics fans, statistically, Hardaway is spot on as Joe Mazzulla’s men have only lost 5 games out of 35 when Porzingis did not play. This includes the playoff games this season where Porzingis was unavailable for the whole of the postseason before his return to the Finals.

Porzingis picked up a slight knock on Sunday in game 2 but has vowed to be on the court in game 3 in Dallas, which will be a test for him at his old stomping ground.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Discusses Luka Doncic’s Dynamic With Kristaps Porzingis

After being drafted by the Knicks in 2015, Kristaps Porzingis was one of the most exciting prospects coming into the league. Following an impressive debut campaign, injuries struck the Latvian and his form dipped. After he joined the Mavs, there were hopes of a rejuvenated Porzingis, but his stop-start run with the Dallas side left a sour taste before he moved to the Wizards. But were injuries his only problem?

Many believed that Porzingis and Doncic failed to click together on the court despite being chummy outside of it. Mavericks’ guard Tim Hardaway Jr. reflected on Porzingis’ time with the Dallas franchise. “For the most part, they didn’t even have that much time to even play together. I think the injuries really affected what could’ve been, but off the court and on the court, K.P. and Luka, they always talked,” THJ told GQ Sports.

The duo will meet again at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday, given Kristaps Porzingis is 100% fit to participate as the Mavs have to pull themselves out of a 2-0 hole.