10 takeaways from Kristaps Porziņģis’ comeback against the Clippers

#1 – Brad Stevens is still not happy with the Celtics’ defensive level

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

Every time the Clippers scored at the rim, Stevens would mutter, “Hmm, another layup.” When Joe Mazzulla called a timeout after an open three-pointer, Stevens immediately agreed, noting that the defense wasn’t as sharp as they were had to be. After a layup by Ivica Zubac, Stevens spoke out again, prompting Brian Scalabrine to ask if he would say the same thing if he were on the bench.

Stevens admitted that the team is not at the defensive level he envisioned and emphasized that protecting the rim is a primary concern. He praised the offense for producing a quality look, but reiterated that defensive consistency, particularly at the rim, remains the focus.

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

Listening to Stevens analyze the game in real time is always a pleasure.

#2 – Kristaps Porziņģis restores some of the 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 their opponents to shoot 69% at the rim before last night.

Against the Clippers, that number dropped to 60%. Even though it was just one game — and the Clippers’ offense isn’t elite, especially without Norman Powell — it showed Porziņģis’ impact.

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

Porziņģis’ length and mobility provided the rim protection the Celtics so desperately needed. If this trend continues, Brad Stevens could finally see the defensive progress he has been looking for.

#3 – The cuts are back

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

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

The strength of Sam Hauser and Porziņģis, combined with Brown’s quick off-ball movements, put significant pressure on the Clippers’ defense.

#4 – Different play calls to make threes

Thanks to Joe Mazzulla’s creative play instructions, the Celtics once again excelled from distance. A highlight was the return of Porziņģis’ pick-and-pop action, which took advantage of the Clippers’ drop coverage:

A classic pindown move for Sam Hauser showcased his impressive footwork and execution. Notice how quickly Queta set up the screen once the ball moved toward Jayson Tatum:

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

Finally, an off-line play showed the Celtics’ versatility. Porziņģis set a screen and dragged defenders into the abyss while Jaylen Brown hit the post. The ball movement ended with an assist from Porziņģis for White for an open three-pointer:

The beauty of these pieces lies in their precision, movement and decision-making – not just the volume of the shots.

#5 – Craig Luschenat’s play call got the bench going

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

Apparently the play was designed by former director of player development and now assistant coach Craig Luschenat. The enthusiastic reactions from players like Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet reflect the respect and appreciation that Luschenat has within the team.

This moment highlights the synergy between coaching staff and players.

#6 – Porziņģis adds a new post-up dimension

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

Porziņģis took advantage of imbalances, made free throws and prevailed against smaller defenders. He showed why he was one of the most efficient post-up players in the league last season.

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

#7 – Jayson Tatum’s magical assist

Speaking of post-ups: Jayson Tatum delivered a notable assist. As Derrick Jones Jr. closed in, Tatum found an open Payton Pritchard with a no-look pass — pure MVP-level creativity.

#8 – Neemias Queta’s comeback

After a DNP against the Timberwolves, Queta was a few minutes behind Porzingis and delivered. Since the Clippers had non-shooters on the court, Queta can be used as a roamer and stay close to the rim, and he’s pretty good at that.

Queta also showed improved defensive awareness by containing attacks and disrupting lob attempts after a pindown action:

Although it’s only a small sample size, Queta’s development could be crucial in games where Al Horford takes a break.

#9 – Jordan Walsh’s defensive potential

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

Even against a die-hard NBA player like Terance Mann, Jordan is able to stay connected, contain the attack and explode vertically to block the layup.

However, Walsh’s offensive game is still lagging behind. While he flashes driving potential, his stiff handle and lack of polish make it difficult to crack the rotation.

#10 – Cookies & Cream are back

Finally, we got the Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porziņģis connection we’ve been waiting for, topped off with a beautiful alley-oop.