Critical self-evaluation of Kristaps Porzingis in debut defeat

SAN FRANCISCO – If we’re judging on the curve, it wasn’t terrible debut for Kristaps Porzingisthe Golden State Warriors‘ title trade acquisition within term.

Given the rust inherent in the weeks rehabilitation of an injury such as Achilles tendonitis and the difficulty of integrating players mid-season, the big man must have needed a runway to get back to the level they envisioned for him when they decided to make the trade with the Atlanta Hawks.

“I’m far from perfect shape, but the first game is coming back after a while, I’m getting some energy back, I’m feeling good,” Porzingis said. “As the game went on, I felt better and better. And I think this is a good, like, first step to continue building.”

As Porzingis described, it was a shaky Bay Area debut for the Warriors big man 121-110 loss to his old team at the Boston Celtics. Porzingis finished with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in limited 17 minutes. The Celtics went on a 17-2 run against Golden State as soon as the center entered the game, effectively shutting the door on the game in just the second quarter.

After the game, Steve Kerr talked about what he was looking for in Porzingis’ long-awaited debut.

“The first game with a new team, it’s always tricky,” Kerr said after the game. “You don’t really know your teammates, you don’t really have a feel for what’s going on. But I thought just from the first half to the second half he looked more relaxed and calmed down.”

In that streak, Porzingis seemed weighed down by a variety of factors. Being reintroduced to the speed of a live NBA game has plagued his quick decision-making. Confusion crept onto his face at the mismatched defensive assignments. And while he had a good week of rehab and reintegration with the Warriors, Porzingis looked heavy on his feet. All things the great man was well aware of.

“I always stay, critical of myself,” Porzingis said. “Honestly, I want to get in perfect shape where I can go and not be half a step late, you know? Just be on time. Be quick, and be quick on your feet. And I mean, the shot wasn’t perfect. A couple of shots were a little flat. Those are things that will just take a little time to get into a good rhythm.”

Silver linings for Warriors, Kristaps Porzingis?

Things changed in the second half when it was garbage time. Porzingis found his groove on offense, commanding double teams in the post, beating mismatches when he was left in single coverage, and scoring from the top of the arc for several 3-pointers. Enough flashes to not panic about his debut, but also understand that his path back to Porzingis single-handedly winning Boston in Game 1 of the Finals will be a work in progress.

“As the game went on, he felt better and better,” Porzingis said. “I think this is the first step to continue building. Obviously, less minutes, there were chances, a few turnovers. I think it’s just a matter of time to get into a better rhythm from this point on. But a good first game.”

Still, Porzingis’ debut is a bit underwhelming in the context of Golden State’s current position.

Stephen Curry is likely to be sidelined for the next five games with patellofemoral pain syndrome/knee bruising. Jimmy Butler is out for the season after undergoing reconstructive ACL surgery earlier this month. With little chance of contending even if Curry returns, the Warriors’ 2025-26 season is at a crossroads, with no safety net to catch them if they fall.

They won too many games to compete and lost too much talent to compete. NBA purgatory.

Projecting Golden State forward

And of course, it may have been overly optimistic and unreasonable to expect Porzingis to be the magic defibrillator that could reset their heartbeat. But that’s how trade is portrayed. In his media availability after the trade deadline, general manager Mike Dunleavy compared the trade as “similar” to the one Butler made last season.

It was a move that undoubtedly saved their season from misery. But given where Golden State is, with Curry in constant day-to-day injury status, this doesn’t seem like a season-saving trade for Butler, even if Porzingis can return to the peak of his powers.

Instead, based on one game alone, it feels like a trade that fuels championship aspirations. They brought in talent to resign in the summer. They held their chips for a potential disgruntled superstar. And they kept their cap flexibility. Of course, things can change over the next 26 games. The Warriors could make a run, Porzingis can look like his unicorn best, and they can get Curry back in time for a run.

But that can only take them so far – first-round exit, best-case scenario, depressing elimination in the game, worst-case scenario. Evaluation is where these 26 games seem to be headed. Who is a moving asset and who is a consumable? Who will help extend Curry’s window, and who is trade bait for an all-in move? Kerr and the Warriors say they want to stay competitive, but time is ticking this season. That is, if it hasn’t already struck midnight.

“We have to learn to play without both Jimmy and Steph,” Kerr said. “And that means bringing the juice, bringing the energy, finding some swagger without those guys. And it’s not easy, but we’ve got to do it. We’ve got to find a way.”